Mobile terminal and control method thereof

ABSTRACT

A mobile terminal including a terminal body having an inner surface, an outer surface and side surfaces, and configured to be opened into an open state and closed into a closed state; a touch screen having first and second regions disposed on the inner surface, a third region disposed on the outer surface, and a fourth region disposed on the side surface between the first and third regions, in the closed state; and a controller configured to display an execution screen to at least one of the first and second regions in the open state, display information related to the execution screen on at least one of the third and fourth regions, based on a closed type of the terminal body corresponding folding closed the terminal body, and execute a function related to the displayed information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a), this application claims the benefit ofearlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No.10-2014-0094939, filed on Jul. 25, 2014, the contents of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This present invention relates to a mobile terminal having a displayunit implemented as an inner display region extended up to an outerdisplay region, and a control method thereof.

2. Background of the Invention

In general, a terminal may be classified into a mobile (portable)terminal and a stationary terminal. The mobile terminal may be alsoclassified into a handheld terminal and a vehicle mounted terminal. Asfunctions of the terminal become more diversified, the terminal cansupport more complicated functions such as capturing images or video,reproducing music, or video files, playing games, receiving broadcastsignals, and the like. By comprehensively and collectively implementingsuch functions, the mobile terminal may be embodied in the form of amultimedia player or a device.

Various attempts have been made to implement complicated functions insuch a multimedia device using hardware or software. For instance, auser interface (UI) environment for allowing a user to search or selectfor functions easily and conveniently is being provided.

As the mobile terminal is regarded as a personal belonging forexpressing a user's personality, various designs are required. Thevarious designs include structural changes and modifications forallowing the user to use the mobile terminal in a more convenientmanner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, an aspect of the detailed description is to provide a mobileterminal capable of providing information related to a screen output toan inner display region, using a display extended to an outer sidesurface.

Another aspect of the detailed description is to provide a mobileterminal capable of informing an event which has occurred from an innerdisplay region, or capable of inputting a control command with respectto a screen output to the inner display region, using a display extendedto an outer side surface.

Still another aspect of the detailed description is to provide a mobileterminal capable of performing various functions by folding or unfoldingan inner display region or a display extended to an outer side surface.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof this specification, as embodied and broadly described herein, thereis provided a mobile terminal, including: a terminal body having aninner surface, an outer surface and side surfaces, and formed to beconvertible into an open state where the inner surface is exposed to anupper side, and a closed state where the outer surface and the sidesurface are exposed to an upper side while the inner surface is covered;a touch screen having a first region and a second region disposed on theinner surface, a third region disposed on the outer surface, and afourth region disposed on the side surface between the first region andthe third region, in the closed state; and a controller configured tooutput an execution screen of at least one application to at least oneof the first and second regions in the open state, and configured todisplay information related to the execution screen on at least one ofthe third and fourth regions, based on a closed type corresponding to anoccurred folding event. When a touch input is applied to the regionwhere the information has been displayed, the controller may execute atleast one function related to the information.

In an embodiment, the mobile terminal may further include a sensing unitconfigured to sense the closed type by detecting a gradient change atthe first and second regions when the folding event occurs. Thecontroller may activate one of the third and fourth regions based on thedetected closed type, such that the information related to the executionscreen is displayed on the activated display region.

In an embodiment, upon detection of a first closed type where a gradientchange is detected only from the first region, the controller maydisplay a first image indicating the execution screen-relatedinformation, on the third region. Upon detection of a second closed typewhere a gradient change is detected from the first and second regions,the controller may display a second image indicating the executionscreen-related information, on the fourth region. The first image may bedifferent from the second image.

In an embodiment, upon detection of the first closed type, thecontroller may further activate the fourth region. When a drag inputtoward the fourth region from the third region is applied to the firstimage, the controller may change a size or a shape of the first imagealong a path of the drag input to thus extend up to the fourth region,and may perform a function corresponding to the first image.

In an embodiment, upon detection of the first closed type, thecontroller may further activate the fourth region. When a functioncorresponding to the first image is performed in the first closed type,the controller may display, on the fourth region, a third imageassociated with the execution of the function corresponding to the firstimage.

In an embodiment, the mobile terminal may further include a wirelesscommunication unit configured to transmit and receive a message. Thecontroller may display a message transceived through the wirelesscommunication unit on the first and second regions in the open state.When a folding event occurs on the touch screen in a state where awritten message has not been sent, the controller may display an iconfor sending the written message on one of the third and fourth regions,based on a closed type corresponding to the folding event.

In an embodiment, when the folding event occurs in a state where atleast one task is being performed on the execution screen, thecontroller may display a first icon indicating that the task is beingperformed, on one of the third and fourth regions, and may change thefirst icon into a second icon when the task is completed.

In an embodiment, the controller may block input of a control commandapplied to the third and fourth regions during the folding event. Whenthe open state is converted into the closed state based on the foldingevent, the controller may activate one of the third and fourth regionsand releases the blocking, based on a closed type corresponding to thefolding event.

In an embodiment, the fourth region disposed on the side surface mayextend from the third region and may be formed to have a predeterminedcurvature. When a folding event occurs on the display unit, thecontroller may control information on the execution screen to bedisplayed on the third region and part of the fourth region along thecurvature, or only on the fourth region, based on a closed typecorresponding to the folding event.

In an embodiment, when an event occurs from at least one application inthe open state, the controller may output an alarm informing the event.When a drag input toward the fourth region from the first region isapplied to one side of the first region in response to the alarm, thecontroller may execute a first function related to the event. When thedrag input applied to one side of the first region is ended within thefirst region, the controller may execute a second function related tothe event.

In an embodiment, wherein when the open state is converted into theclosed state in response to the alarm, the controller outputs an imageobject related to processing of the event, to one of the third andfourth regions. When a drag input applied to the image object is out ofa reference range, the controller may execute a third function relatedto the event.

When a touch input is not applied to one of the third and fourth regionswhere information on the execution screen has been displayed, for apreset time in the closed state, the information may disappear. When anopening event occurs in the closed state, the controller may control thedisappeared information to be re-displayed or controls other informationto be displayed, on one of the third and fourth regions.

In an embodiment, when the opening event occurs in a first closed statewhere the first region is folded to cover the second region, thecontroller may display information on the execution screen or otherinformation on the execution screen, on the third region. When theopening event occurs in a second closed state where the fourth region isexposed to an upper side and the first region faces the second region,the controller may display information on the execution screen or otherinformation on the execution screen, on the fourth region.

In an embodiment, when a touch input is applied to the fourth region inthe second closed state, the controller may display icons ofapplications corresponding to the execution screen, based on a pointwhere the touch input has been applied.

In an embodiment, when the open state is converted into the closed statein response to the folding event, and when the closed state isre-converted into the open state in a state where a touch input appliedto one of the third and fourth regions where the information has beendisplayed is maintained, the controller may re-display apreviously-output execution screen on at least one of the first andsecond regions, and may control a screen change due to execution of afunction corresponding to the touch input, to be displayed on theexecution screen.

In an embodiment, when the closed state corresponding to the foldingevent is a second closed type where the fourth region is exposed to anupper side and the first region faces the second region, the controllermay sense a plurality of touch inputs applied to the fourth region. Whenan opening event occurs in the second closed state, the controller mayconvert a locked state of the mobile terminal into a released state,according to whether the plurality of sensed touch inputs match a presetpattern or not.

In an embodiment, the fourth region may be divided into a plurality ofvirtual regions, and the plurality of virtual regions may be generatedbased on an initial touch input applied to the fourth region. Theplurality of touch inputs may mean touch inputs sequentially applied toat least one region in a preset order, the at least one regioncorresponding to the preset pattern among the generated virtual regions.

In an embodiment, among the plurality of touch inputs applied to thefourth region, the controller may ignore a touch input detected when theopening event occurs, or a touch input which has been detected beforeoccurrence of the opening event to thus be maintained during the openingevent.

In an embodiment, when the mobile terminal is converted into thereleased state, the controller may display icons of applicationscorresponding to the released state, on the fourth region. When the openstate corresponding to the opening event is a first open type where onlythe first region has been unfolded, the controller may output, on thefirst region, screen information indicating events generated fromapplications corresponding to the released state. When the open statecorresponding to the opening event is a second open type where only thesecond region has been unfolded while the fourth region is exposed to anupper side, the controller may output, to the second region, anexecution screen of one of applications corresponding to the releasedstate. When the open state corresponding to the opening event is a thirdopen type where both the first region and the second region have beenunfolded, the controller may output screen information indicating theevent, and an execution screen of one of applications corresponding tothe released state.

In an embodiment, the fourth region may be provided with a fingerprintrecognition sensor. When an opening event occurs in the second closedstate where the first region and the second region face each other andthe fourth region is exposed to an upper side, the controller mayperform a user authentication by activating the fingerprint recognitionsensor, and the controller may convert a locked state into a releasedstate based on a result on the user authentication.

In an embodiment, when an opening event occurs in the second closedstate where the first region and the second region face each other andthe fourth region is exposed to an upper side, the controller maydisplay icons of executable applications on the fourth region. When anangle between the first region and the second region is equal to or morethan a reference value, in a state where a touch input applied to one ofthe icons has been maintained, the controller may display, on the fourthregion, additional information on an application corresponding to theselected icon.

In an embodiment, the third region may be provided with a fingerprintrecognition sensor. When a touch event is detected from the third regionin the first closed state where the first region is folded to cover thesecond region, the controller may perform a user authentication byactivating the fingerprint recognition sensor, and the controller mayconvert a locked state into a released state based on a result on theuser authentication. When the first closed state is converted into thesecond closed state where the fourth region is exposed to an upper sideand the first region and the second region face each other, thecontroller may display information on the execution screen on the thirdregion. When the third region is unfolded by a predetermined angle, thecontroller may generate a scroll bar on the fourth region, the scrollbar for up-down moving information output to the third region.

In an embodiment, when an event occurs in the first closed state wherethe first region is folded to cover the second region, the controllermay display a notification icon indicating the event on the thirdregion, and may control a different function to be executed according toa drag direction of a touch input applied to the notification icon.

In an embodiment, the mobile terminal may further include a cameradisposed on the outer surface. When the camera operates in the openstate, the controller may output a first captured image corresponding toa first capturing mode, to at least one of the first and second regions.When the closed state corresponding to the folding event is a firstclosed state where the first region covers the second region, thecontroller may convert the first capturing mode into a second capturingmode, and may output a second captured image corresponding to the secondcapturing mode to the third region.

In an embodiment, in one of the first capturing mode and the secondcapturing mode, when the open state or the first closed state isconverted into the second closed state where the fourth region isexposed to an upper side and the first region and the second region faceeach other, the controller may display, on the fourth region, executionicons for sharing at least one of the first captured image and thesecond captured image.

In an embodiment, screen information corresponding to conversion of alocked state into a released state may be output to at least one of thefirst and second regions. When the open state is converted into theclosed state corresponding to the folding event and a preset timelapses, the controller may re-convert the released state into the lockedstate. When a touch input corresponding to the folding event ismaintained even in the closed state, the controller may maintain thereleased state.

When an event occurs from at least one application in the open state,the controller may output guide information for inducing the closedstate, to the first region. When the event is ended in the closed state,the controller may output guide information for inducing the open state,to at least one of the third and fourth regions.

Further scope of applicability of the present application will becomemore apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However,it should be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only, since various changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with thedescription serve to explain the principles of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are views illustrating a closed state of a mobileterminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, which areviewed from different directions;

FIG. 2C is a view illustrating an open state of a mobile terminalaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3(a) to 3(d) are conceptual views illustrating an operation of amobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a mobileterminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c) are conceptual views illustrating the flowchart ofFIG. 4;

FIGS. 6A(a) to 8(d) are views illustrating examples of an operation of amobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention,which are conceptual views illustrating a method of executing a taskwhich has not been completed on an inner display region, using an outersurface display;

FIGS. 9A(a) to 9A(c) and 9B(a) to 9B(c) are conceptual viewsillustrating different embodiments to inform an operation state of aninner display region using an outer surface display;

FIGS. 10(a) to 10(d) are conceptual views illustrating a method ofprocessing an event which has occurred in an open state, using an outersurface display;

FIGS. 11(a) to 13B(b) are conceptual views illustrating a method ofoutputting information to an outer surface display;

FIGS. 14A(a) to 17B(c) are conceptual views illustrating a method ofreleasing a locked state of a mobile terminal using an outer surfacedisplay;

FIGS. 18(a) to 19(c) are conceptual views illustrating a method ofcontrolling output from an inner display region, using an outer displayin a closed state;

FIGS. 20A(a) to 20C(c″) are conceptual views illustrating a method ofprocessing an event which has occurred in a closed state, using an outersurface display;

FIGS. 21(a), 21(b), 21(b″), and 21(c) are conceptual views illustratinga method of differently executing operation modes of a camera accordingto an open state and a closed state;

FIGS. 22(a) to 22(c) are conceptual views illustrating a method ofmaintaining a released state in a closed state;

FIGS. 23A(a) to 23A(d) and 23B(a) to 23B(c″) are conceptual viewsillustrating a method of outputting guide information for performing adifferent function according to a folding operation or an unfoldingoperation;

FIGS. 24(a) and 24(b) are conceptual views illustrating a method ofsending an urgent message using an outer surface display;

FIGS. 25(a) to 25(c) are conceptual views illustrating an operation toconvert a closed state into an open state;

FIGS. 26A(a) to 27(c) are conceptual views illustrating a method ofexecuting different functions by folding or unfolding a display unit;

FIGS. 28(a) to 28(c) are conceptual views illustrating a foldable orunfoldable range of a display unit;

FIGS. 29(a) to 29(c) are conceptual views illustrating a method ofcontrolling output when a battery amount is insufficient in a completelyunfolded state of a display unit; and

FIGS. 30A(a) to 30D(c) are conceptual views illustrating variousembodiments to output a different screen by rotating, folding orunfolding a display unit which is in a completely unfolded state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Description will now be given in detail according to embodimentsdisclosed herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. For thesake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same orequivalent components may be provided with the same or similar referencenumbers, and description thereof will not be repeated. In general, asuffix such as “module” and “unit” may be used to refer to elements orcomponents. Use of such a suffix herein is merely intended to facilitatedescription of the specification, and the suffix itself is not intendedto give any special meaning or function.

The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand varioustechnical features and it should be understood that the embodimentspresented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such,the present invention should be construed to extend to any alterations,equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularlyset out in the accompanying drawings.

Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describevarious elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms.These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element fromanother. When an element is referred to as being “connected with”another element, the element can be connected with the other element orintervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an elementis referred to as being “directly connected with” another element, thereare no intervening elements present.

A singular representation may include a plural representation unless itrepresents a definitely different meaning from the context. Terms suchas “include” or “has” are used herein and should be understood that theyare intended to indicate an existence of several components, functionsor steps, disclosed in the specification, and it is also understood thatgreater or fewer components, functions, or steps may likewise beutilized.

A terminal in the present description may include a mobile terminal suchas a portable phone, a smart phone, a notebook computer, a digitalbroadcasting terminal, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), PortableMultimedia Player (PMP), a navigation system, a slate PC, a tablet PC,an ultra hook, a wearable device (e.g. smart watch), a glass-typeterminal (e.g., smart glass), a head mounted display (HMD), etc.However, the present invention may be also applicable to a fixedterminal such as a digital TV, a desktop computer and a digital signage,except for specific configurations for mobility.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal 100 associatedwith a wearable device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. The mobile terminal 100 is shown having components such as awireless communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140,an output unit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a controller180, and a power supply unit 190. Implementing all of the illustratedcomponents of FIG. 1A is not a requirement, and that greater or fewercomponents may alternatively be implemented.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the wireless communication unit 110 typicallyincludes one or more modules which permit communications such aswireless communications between the mobile terminal 100 and a wirelesscommunication system, communications between the mobile terminal 100 andanother mobile terminal, communications between the mobile terminal 100and an external server. Further, the wireless communication unit 110typically includes one or more modules which connect the mobile terminal100 to one or more networks. To facilitate such communications, thewireless communication unit 110 includes one or more of a broadcastreceiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wirelessInternet module 113, a short-range communication module 114, and alocation information module 115.

The input unit 120 includes a camera 121 for obtaining images or video,a microphone 122, which is one type of audio input device for inputtingan audio signal, and a user input unit 123 (for example, a touch key, apush key, a mechanical key, a soft key, and the like) for allowing auser to input information. Data (for example, audio, video, image, andthe like) is obtained by the input unit 120 and may be analyzed andprocessed by controller 180 according to device parameters, usercommands, and combinations thereof.

The sensing unit 140 is typically implemented using one or more sensorsconfigured to sense internal information of the mobile terminal, thesurrounding environment of the mobile terminal, user information, andthe like. For example, in FIG. 1, the sensing unit 140 is shown having aproximity sensor 141 and an illumination sensor 142. If desired, thesensing unit 140 may alternatively or additionally include other typesof sensors or devices, such as a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, amagnetic sensor, a (3-sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a motion sensor, anRGB sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a finger scan sensor, a ultrasonicsensor, an optical sensor (for example, camera 121), a microphone 122, abattery gauge, an environment sensor (for example, a barometer, ahygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detection sensor, a thermalsensor, and a gas sensor, among others), and a chemical sensor (forexample, an electronic nose, a health care sensor, a biometric sensor,and the like), to name a few.

The sensing unit 140 generates a sensing signal for controlling anoperation of the mobile terminal 100, by sensing a current state of themobile terminal such as an open or closed state of the mobile terminal100, a position of the mobile terminal 100, whether a user has contactedthe mobile terminal or not, an azimuth of the mobile terminal, and anacceleration/deceleration of the mobile terminal. For instance, when themobile terminal 100 is a folded type mobile terminal, the sensing unit140 may sense an open state of the mobile terminal 100 corresponding tounfolding, and a closed state of the mobile terminal 100 correspondingto folding.

The output unit 150 is typically configured to output various types ofinformation, such as audio, video, tactile output, and the like. Theoutput unit 150 is shown having a display unit 151, an audio outputmodule 152, a haptic module 153, and an optical output module 154. Thedisplay unit 151 may have an inter-layered structure or an integratedstructure with a touch sensor in order to facilitate a touch screen. Thetouch screen may provide an output interface between the mobile terminal100 and a user, as well as function as the user input unit 123 whichprovides an input interface between the mobile terminal 100 and theuser.

The interface unit 160 serves as an interface with various types ofexternal devices that can be coupled to the mobile terminal 100. Theinterface unit 160, for example, may include any of wired or wirelessports, external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memorycard ports, ports for connecting a device having an identificationmodule, audio input/output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports,and the like. In some cases, the mobile terminal 100 may performassorted control functions associated with a connected external device,in response to the external device being connected to the interface unit160.

The memory 170 is typically implemented to store data to support variousfunctions or features of the mobile terminal 100. For instance, thememory 170 may be configured to store application programs executed inthe mobile terminal 100, data or instructions for operations of themobile terminal 100, and the like. Some of these application programsmay be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication.Other application programs may be installed within the mobile terminal100 at time of manufacturing or shipping, which is typically the casefor basic functions of the mobile terminal 100 (for example, receiving acall, placing a call, receiving a message, sending a message, and thelike). It is common for application programs to be stored in the memory170, installed in the mobile terminal 100, and executed by thecontroller 180 to perform an operation (or function) for the mobileterminal 100.

The controller 180 typically functions to control overall operation ofthe mobile terminal 100, in addition to the operations associated withthe application programs. The controller 180 can provide or processinformation or functions appropriate for a user by processing signals,data, information and the like, which are input or output by the variouscomponents depicted in FIG. 1, or activating application programs storedin the memory 170. As one example, the controller 180 controls some orall of the components illustrated in FIG. 1 according to the executionof an application program that have been stored in the memory 170.

The power supply unit 190 can be configured to receive external power orprovide internal power in order to supply appropriate power required foroperating elements and components included in the mobile terminal 100.The power supply unit 190 may include a battery, and the battery may beconfigured to be embedded in the terminal body, or configured to bedetachable from the terminal body.

Referring still to FIG. 1, various components depicted in this figurewill now be described in more detail. Regarding the wirelesscommunication unit 110, the broadcast receiving module 111 is typicallyconfigured to receive a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associatedinformation from an external broadcast managing entity via a broadcastchannel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel, aterrestrial channel, or both. In some embodiments, two or more broadcastreceiving modules 111 may be utilized to facilitate simultaneouslyreceiving of two or more broadcast channels, or to support switchingamong broadcast channels.

The mobile communication module 112 can transmit and/or receive wirelesssignals to and from one or more network entities. Typical examples of anetwork entity include a base station, an external mobile terminal, aserver, and the like. Such network entities form part of a mobilecommunication network, which is constructed according to technicalstandards or communication methods for mobile communications (forexample, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code DivisionMulti Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packetaccess (HSDPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and the like).

Examples of wireless signals transmitted and/or received via the mobilecommunication module 112 include audio call signals, video (telephony)call signals, or various formats of data to support communication oftext and multimedia messages.

The wireless Internet module 113 is configured to facilitate wirelessInternet access. This module may be internally or externally coupled tothe mobile terminal 100. The wireless Internet module 113 may transmitand/or receive wireless signals via communication networks according towireless Internet technologies.

Examples of such wireless Internet access include Wireless LAN (WLAN),Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Digital Living Network Alliance(DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), Worldwide Interoperability forMicrowave Access (WiMAX), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA),HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE),LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), and the like. The wirelessInternet module 113 may transmit/receive data according to one or moreof such wireless Internet technologies, and other Internet technologiesas well.

In some embodiments, when the wireless Internet access is implementedaccording to, for example, WiBro, HSDPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE and thelike, as part of a mobile communication network, the wireless Internetmodule 113 performs such wireless Internet access. As such, the Internetmodule 113 may cooperate with, or function as, the mobile communicationmodule 112.

The short-range communication module 114 is configured to facilitateshort-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing suchshort-range communications include BLUETOOTH™, Radio FrequencyIDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-WideBand(UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity(Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless USB(Wireless Universal Serial Bus), andthe like. The short-range communication module 114 in general supportswireless communications between the mobile terminal 100 and a wirelesscommunication system, communications between the mobile terminal 100 andanother mobile terminal 100, or communications between the mobileterminal and a network where another mobile terminal 100 (or an externalserver) is located, via wireless area networks. One example of thewireless area networks is a wireless personal area networks.

In some embodiments, another mobile terminal (which may be configuredsimilarly to mobile terminal 100) may be a wearable device, for example,a smart watch, a smart glass or a head mounted display (HMD), which canexchange data with the mobile terminal 100 (or otherwise cooperate withthe mobile terminal 100). The short-range communication module 114 maysense or recognize the wearable device, and permit communication betweenthe wearable device and the mobile terminal 100.

In addition, when the sensed wearable device is a device which isauthenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal 100, thecontroller 180, for example, may cause transmission of data processed inthe mobile terminal 100 to the wearable device via the short-rangecommunication module 114. Hence, a user of the wearable device may usethe data processed in the mobile terminal 100 on the wearable device.For example, when a call is received in the mobile terminal 100, theuser may answer the call using the wearable device. Also, when a messageis received in the mobile terminal 100, the user can check the receivedmessage using the wearable device.

The location information module 115 is generally configured to detect,calculate, derive or otherwise identify a position of the mobileterminal. As an example, the location information module 115 includes aGlobal Position System (GPS) module, a Wi-Fi module, or both. Ifdesired, the location information module 115 may alternatively oradditionally function with any of the other modules of the wirelesscommunication unit 110 to obtain data related to the position of themobile terminal.

As one example, when the mobile terminal uses a UPS module, a positionof the mobile terminal may be acquired using a signal sent from a UPSsatellite. As another example, when the mobile terminal uses the Wi-Fimodule, a position of the mobile terminal can be acquired based oninformation related to a wireless access point (AP) which transmits orreceives a wireless signal to or from the Wi-Fi module.

The input unit 120 may be configured to permit various types of input tothe mobile terminal 120. Examples of such input include audio, image,video, data, and user input. Image and video input is often obtainedusing one or more cameras 121. Such cameras 121 may process image framesof still pictures or video obtained by image sensors in a video or imagecapture mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on the displayunit 151 or stored in memory 170. In some cases, the cameras 121 may bearranged in a matrix configuration to permit a plurality of imageshaving various angles or focal points to be input to the mobile terminal100. As another example, the cameras 121 may be located in astereoscopic arrangement to acquire left and right images forimplementing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone 122 is generally implemented to permit audio input to themobile terminal 100. The audio input can be processed in various mannersaccording to a function being executed in the mobile terminal 100. Ifdesired, the microphone 122 may include assorted noise removingalgorithms to remove unwanted noise generated in the course of receivingthe external audio.

The user input unit 123 is a component that permits input by a user.Such user input may enable the controller 180 to control operation ofthe mobile terminal 100. The user input unit 123 may include one or moreof a mechanical input element (for example, a key, a button located on afront and/or rear surface or a side surface of the mobile terminal 100,a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like), or atouch-sensitive input, among others. As one example, the touch-sensitiveinput may be a virtual key or a soft key, which is displayed on a touchscreen through software processing, or a touch key which is located onthe mobile terminal at a location that is other than the touch screen.Further, the virtual key or the visual key may be displayed on the touchscreen in various shapes, for example, graphic, text, icon, video, or acombination thereof.

The sensing unit 140 is generally configured to sense one or more ofinternal information of the mobile terminal, surrounding environmentinformation of the mobile terminal, user information, or the like. Thecontroller 180 generally cooperates with the sending unit 140 to controloperation of the mobile terminal 100 or execute data processing, afunction or an operation associated with an application programinstalled in the mobile terminal based on the sensing provided by thesensing unit 140. The sensing unit 140 may be implemented using any of avariety of sensors, some of which will now be described in more detail.

The proximity sensor 141 may include a sensor to sense presence orabsence of an object approaching a surface, or an object located near asurface, by using an electromagnetic field, infrared rays, or the likewithout a mechanical contact. The proximity sensor 141 may be arrangedat an inner region of the mobile terminal covered by the touch screen,or near the touch screen.

The proximity sensor 141, for example, may include any of a transmissivetype photoelectric sensor, a direct reflective type photoelectricsensor, a mirror reflective type photoelectric sensor, a high-frequencyoscillation proximity sensor, a capacitance type proximity sensor, amagnetic type proximity sensor, an infrared rays proximity sensor, andthe like. When the touch screen is implemented as a capacitance type,the proximity sensor 141 can sense proximity of a pointer relative tothe touch screen by changes of an electromagnetic field, which isresponsive to an approach of an object with conductivity. In thisinstance, the touch screen (touch sensor) may also be categorized as aproximity sensor.

The term “proximity touch” will often be referred to herein to denotethe scenario in which a pointer is positioned to be proximate to thetouch screen without contacting the touch screen. The term “contacttouch” will often be referred to herein to denote the scenario in whicha pointer makes physical contact with the touch screen. For the positioncorresponding to the proximity touch of the pointer relative to thetouch screen, such position will correspond to a position where thepointer is perpendicular to the touch screen. The proximity sensor 141may sense proximity touch, and proximity touch patterns (for example,distance, direction, speed, time, position, moving status, and thelike).

In general, controller 180 processes data corresponding to proximitytouches and proximity touch patterns sensed by the proximity sensor 141,and cause output of visual information on the touch screen. In addition,the controller 180 can control the mobile terminal 100 to executedifferent operations or process different data according to whether atouch with respect to a point on the touch screen is either a proximitytouch or a contact touch.

A touch sensor can sense a touch applied to the touch screen, such asdisplay unit 151, using any of a variety of touch methods. Examples ofsuch touch methods include a resistive type, a capacitive type, aninfrared type, and a magnetic field type, among others.

As one example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert changes ofpressure applied to a specific part of the display unit 151, or convertcapacitance occurring at a specific part of the display unit 151, intoelectric input signals. The touch sensor may also be configured to sensenot only a touched position and a touched area, but also touch pressureand/or touch capacitance. A touch object is generally used to apply atouch input to the touch sensor. Examples of typical touch objectsinclude a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, a pointer, or the like.

When a touch input is sensed by a touch sensor, corresponding signalsmay be transmitted to a touch controller. The touch controller mayprocess the received signals, and then transmit corresponding data tothe controller 180. Accordingly, the controller 180 can sense whichregion of the display unit 151 has been touched. Here, the touchcontroller may be a component separate from the controller 180, thecontroller 180, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the controller 180 can execute the same ordifferent controls according to a type of touch object that touches thetouch screen or a touch key provided in addition to the touch screen.Whether to execute the same or different control according to the objectwhich provides a touch input may be decided based on a current operatingstate of the mobile terminal 100 or a currently executed applicationprogram, for example.

The touch sensor and the proximity sensor may be implementedindividually, or in combination, to sense various types of touches. Suchtouches includes a short (or tap) touch, a long touch, a multi-touch, adrag touch, a flick touch, a pinch-in touch, a pinch-out touch, a swipetouch, a hovering touch, and the like.

If desired, an ultrasonic sensor may be implemented to recognizeposition information relating to a touch object using ultrasonic waves.The controller 180, for example, may calculate a position of a wavegeneration source based on information sensed by an illumination sensorand a plurality of ultrasonic sensors. Since light is much faster thanultrasonic waves, the time for which the light reaches the opticalsensor is much shorter than the time for which the ultrasonic wavereaches the ultrasonic sensor. The position of the wave generationsource may be calculated using this fact. For instance, the position ofthe wave generation source may be calculated using the time differencefrom the time that the ultrasonic wave reaches the sensor based on thelight as a reference signal.

The camera 121 typically includes at least one a camera sensor (CCD,CMOS etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensors), and a laser sensor.Implementing the camera 121 with a laser sensor may allow detection of atouch of a physical object with respect to a 3D stereoscopic image. Thephoto sensor may be laminated on, or overlapped with, the mobileterminal. The photo sensor may be configured to scan movement of thephysical object in proximity to the touch screen. In more detail, thephoto sensor may include photo diodes and transistors at rows andcolumns to scan content received at the photo sensor using an electricalsignal which changes according to the quantity of applied light. Namely,the photo sensor may calculate the coordinates of the physical objectaccording to variation of light to thus obtain position information ofthe physical object.

The display unit 151 is generally configured to output informationprocessed in the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151may display execution screen information of an application programexecuting at the mobile terminal 100 or user interface (UI) and graphicuser interface (GUI) information in response to the execution screeninformation.

In some embodiments, the display unit 151 may be implemented as astereoscopic display unit for displaying stereoscopic images. A typicalstereoscopic display unit may employ a stereoscopic display scheme suchas a stereoscopic scheme (a glass scheme), an auto-stereoscopic scheme(glassless scheme), a projection scheme (holographic scheme), or thelike.

The sensing unit 140 generates a sensing signal for controlling anoperation of the mobile terminal 100, by sensing a current state of themobile terminal such as an open or closed state of the mobile terminal100, a position of the mobile terminal 100, whether a user has contactedthe mobile terminal or not, an azimuth of the mobile terminal, and anacceleration/deceleration of the mobile terminal. For instance, when themobile terminal 100 is a folded type mobile terminal, the sensing unit140 may sense an open state of the mobile terminal 100 corresponding tounfolding, and a closed state of the mobile terminal 100 correspondingto folding.

The display unit may be configured so that a different region can beexposed to an upper side, according to an open state or a closed stateof the mobile terminal 100.

The display unit 151 may include a plurality of regions adjacent to eachother. More specifically, the display unit 151 may include a firstregion and a second region which are exposed to an upper side in an openstate, and a fourth region and a third region which are exposed to anupper side and a side surface extending from the front surface in aclosed state. The first to fourth regions of the display unit 151 may befolded or unfolded in a preset direction. When the display unit 151 isconfigured as a stereoscopic display for displaying a stereoscopicimage, a different stereoscopic image may be displayed according to afolding type and a folded degree of at least one of the first to fourthregions.

The audio output module 152 is generally configured to output audiodata. Such audio data may be obtained from any of a number of differentsources, such that the audio data may be received from the wirelesscommunication unit 110 or may have been stored in the memory 170. Theaudio data may be output during modes such as a signal reception mode, acall mode, a record mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcastreception mode, and the like. The audio output module 152 can provideaudible output related to a particular function (e.g., a call signalreception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed by themobile terminal 100. The audio output module 152 may also be implementedas a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, or the like.

A haptic module 153 can be configured to generate various tactileeffects that a user feels, perceive, or otherwise experience. A typicalexample of a tactile effect generated by the haptic module 153 isvibration. The strength, pattern and the like of the vibration generatedby the haptic module 153 can be controlled by user selection or settingby the controller. For example, the haptic module 153 may outputdifferent vibrations in a combining manner or a sequential manner.

Besides vibration, the haptic module 153 can generate various othertactile effects, including an effect by stimulation such as a pinarrangement vertically moving to contact skin, a spray force or suctionforce of air through a jet orifice or a suction opening, a touch to theskin, a contact of an electrode, electrostatic force, an effect byreproducing the sense of cold and warmth using an element that canabsorb or generate heat, and the like.

The haptic module 153 can also be implemented to allow the user to feela tactile effect through a muscle sensation such as the user's fingersor arm, as well as transferring the tactile effect through directcontact. Two or more haptic modules 153 may be provided according to theparticular configuration of the mobile terminal 100.

An optical output module 154 can output a signal for indicating an eventgeneration using light of a light source. Examples of events generatedin the mobile terminal 100 may include message reception, call signalreception, a missed call, an alarm, a schedule notice, an emailreception, information reception through an application, and the like.

A signal output by the optical output module 154 may be implemented sothe mobile terminal emits monochromatic light or light with a pluralityof colors. The signal output may be terminated as the mobile terminalsenses that a user has checked the generated event, for example.

The interface unit 160 serves as an interface for external devices to beconnected with the mobile terminal 100. For example, the interface unit160 can receive data transmitted from an external device, receive powerto transfer to elements and components within the mobile terminal 100 ortransmit internal data of the mobile terminal 100 to such externaldevice. The interface unit 160 may include wired or wireless headsetports, external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memorycard ports, ports for connecting a device having an identificationmodule, audio input/output (1/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports,or the like.

The identification module may be a chip that stores various informationfor authenticating authority of using the mobile terminal 100 and mayinclude a user identity module (UIM), a subscriber identity module(SIM), a universal subscriber identity module (USIM), and the like. Inaddition, the device having the identification module (also referred toherein as an “identifying device”) may take the form of a smart card.Accordingly, the identifying device can be connected with the terminal100 via the interface unit 160.

When the mobile terminal 100 is connected with an external cradle, theinterface unit 160 can serve as a passage to allow power from the cradleto be supplied to the mobile terminal 100 or may serve as a passage toallow various command signals input by the user from the cradle to betransferred to the mobile terminal there through. Various commandsignals or power input from the cradle may operate as signals forrecognizing that the mobile terminal is properly mounted on the cradle.

The memory 170 can store programs to support operations of thecontroller 180 and store input/output data (for example, phonebook,messages, still images, videos, etc). The memory 170 may store datarelated to various patterns of vibrations and audio which are output inresponse to touch inputs on the touch screen.

The memory 170 may include one or more types of storage mediumsincluding a Flash memory, a hard disk, a solid state disk, a silicondisk, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or DXmemory, etc.), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Static: Random AccessMemory (SRAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically ErasableProgrammable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a Programmable Read-Only memory(PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and thelike. The mobile terminal 100 may also be operated in relation to anetwork storage device that performs the storage function of the memory170 over a network, such as the Internet.

The controller 180 can typically control the general operations of themobile terminal 100. For example, the controller 180 can set or releasea lock state for restricting a user from inputting a control commandwith respect to applications when a status of the mobile terminal meetsa preset condition.

The controller 180 can also perform the controlling and processingassociated with voice calls, data communications, video calls, and thelike, or perform pattern recognition processing to recognize ahandwriting input or a picture drawing input performed on the touchscreen as characters or images, respectively. In addition, thecontroller 180 can control one or a combination of those components inorder to implement various embodiments disclosed herein.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power or provide internalpower and supply the appropriate power required for operating respectiveelements and components included in the mobile terminal 100. The powersupply unit 190 may include a battery, which is typically rechargeableor be detachably coupled to the terminal body for charging.

The power supply unit 190 may include a connection port. The connectionport may be configured as one example of the interface unit 160 to whichan external charger for supplying power to recharge the battery iselectrically connected.

As another example, the power supply unit 190 may be configured torecharge the battery in a wireless manner without use of the connectionport. In this example, the power supply unit 190 can receive power,transferred from an external wireless power transmitter, using at leastone of an inductive coupling method which is based on magnetic inductionor a magnetic resonance coupling method which is based onelectromagnetic resonance.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in acomputer-readable medium, a machine-readable medium, or similar mediumusing, for example, software, hardware, or any combination thereof.

Further, the display unit 151 may be formed to have a plurality ofregions adjacent to each other, and may be configured so that at leastpart of the plurality of regions can be folded or unfolded in a presetdirection. In an open state, the display unit 151 is configured so thatall of the plurality of regions can be unfolded for display. In thisinstance, the state will be referred to as an ‘extended open state’ fordistinguishment from when only a first region and a second region areexposed to an upper side. In a closed state, the display unit 151 isconfigured to have an outer surface (or a front region of an outersurface), an inner surface, and a side surface extending from the innerand outer surfaces, thereby having a larger screen.

Next, FIGS. 2A-2C and 3(a) to 3(d) include conceptual views illustratingan operation of the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Referring to FIG. 3(a), the display unit 251 includesa first inner display region 251 a and a second inner display region 251b disposed at a left side and a right side on a front surface of thebody, respectively, in an open state. The first inner display region 251a and the second inner display region 251 b may be formed to besymmetrical, or may be formed such that one of them is larger than theother.

The first inner display region 251 a and the second inner display region251 b may be folded or unfolded with respect to each other, with apredetermined angle, i.e., 0°˜210° or 0°˜360° according to a hingestructure. The first inner display region 251 a and the second innerdisplay region 251 b may be defined as inner surface (inner sidesurface) display regions, since they are exposed to outside only in anopen state. In the aforementioned extended open state, the first innerdisplay region 251 a (first region), the second inner display region 251b (second region), an outer display region 251 c (third region) and aside display region 251 d (fourth region) may be defined as innerdisplay regions (see also FIGS. 2A-2C).

The open state means an exposed state of an inner surface of the mobileterminal, i.e., a state where a plurality of display regions disposed onan inner surface of the mobile terminal are exposed to an upper side bybeing unfolded based on a hinge portion. For instance, as shown in FIG.3(a), a state where the first inner display region 251 a and the secondinner display region 251 b are exposed to an upper side by beingcompletely unfolded from each other may be referred to as an ‘openstate’. The state is similar to a state where a book has been unfolded.

In addition, a state where the first inner display region 251 a, theouter display region 251 c and the side display region 251 d as well asthe first region and the second inner display region 251 b arecompletely unfolded to thus be exposed to an upper side, may be an‘extended open state’.

The mobile terminal 200 may be converted into a ‘folded state’ from theaforementioned open state, or vice versa. The folded state means a statewhere the first region or the second region is backward bent in the openstate. The folded state occurs when a hinge portion between the firstregion and the second region is backward bent. The folded state may alsooccur when a hinge portion provided at least one between the firstregion and the second region, between the first region and the fourthregion, and between the third region and the fourth region is backwardbent.

As shown in FIG. 3(a), in the open state, an execution screen of atleast one application, i.e., a dialogue screen 301 of a messageapplication may be output to a total region of the first inner displayregion 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b. The dialoguescreen output to the first inner display region 251 a and the secondinner display region 251 b is merely exemplary. A graphic user interface(GUI) of an application being currently executed may be output to atleast one of the first inner display region 251 a and the second innerdisplay region 251 b.

When at least one of the first inner display region 251 a and the secondinner display region 251 b has been deactivated, if a touch input isapplied to the first inner display region 251 a or the second innerdisplay region 251 b, or if the first inner display region 251 a or thesecond inner display region 251 b is unfolded after being bent a littleupward/downward, at least one of the first inner display region 251 aand the second inner display region 251 b is converted into an activatedstate. Thus the aforementioned execution screen of at least oneapplication may be output.

In this state, the sensing unit may sense a folding event occurring atthe display unit. The folding event means that the first inner displayregion 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b first and secondinner display regions) are folded to an approaching direction based on ahinge portion, as an external force is applied to a body which enclosesthe first inner display region 251 a and the second inner display region251 b.

In an ‘open state, if the ‘Raiding event’ that the first inner displayregion 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b are folded toface each other based on a hinge portion provided between the firstinner display region 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b,the controller may recognize a closed type corresponding to the foldingevent.

The closed type corresponding to the folding event may include a firstclosed type to simultaneously fold the first inner display region 251 aand the second inner display region 251 b on each other; a second closedtype to fold the first inner display region 251 a so as to cover thesecond inner display region 251 b, by much moving the first innerdisplay region 251 a while the second inner display region 251 b isscarcely moved; and a third closed type to fold the second inner displayregion 251 b so as to cover the first inner display region 251 a, bymoving the second inner display region 251 b while the first innerdisplay region 251 a is scarcely moved. An open state of the mobileterminal 200 may be converted into a closed state by one of the first tothird closed types.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the display unit 251 may be configured toinclude, in a closed state, a first inner display region 251 a and asecond inner display region 251 b disposed on an inner surface of themobile terminal 200, an outer display region 251 c disposed on an outersurface of the mobile terminal 200, and a side display region 251 ddisposed on a side surface of the mobile terminal 200 by being extendedfrom one side of the first inner display region 251 a and one side ofthe outer display region 251 c.

When the closed type is the first closed type, the mobile terminal 200is closed so that the side display region 251 d can be exposed to anupper side. When the closed type is the second closed type, the mobileterminal 200 is closed so that the outer display region 251 c can beexposed to an upper side. When the closed type is the third closed type,the mobile terminal 200 is closed so that only a rear frame or a rearcover can be exposed to an upper side.

For instance, if a folding event to simultaneously fold the first innerdisplay region 251.a and the second inner display region 251 b occurs asshown in FIG. 3(b) the controller 180 displays information related to anexecution screen output from the first inner display region 251 a andthe second inner display region 251 b (e.g., chat window), on the sidedisplay region 251 d disposed on a side surface of the mobile terminal200 by being extended from one side of an inner display region and oneside of an outer display region.

The information related to an execution screen is variable according toan output state and an output operation of an execution screen output tothe inner display regions when a folding event occurs, a type of acorresponding application, etc. If a folding event occurs in a state ofFIG. 3(a), the controller 180 can recognize a type of an applicationcorresponding to a dialogue screen output to the first inner displayregion 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b, alastly-executed task, a non-completed task, etc.

When an ‘open state’ of the mobile terminal is completely converted intoa ‘closed state’ as the ‘folding event’ occurs, the controller maycontrol information related to an execution screen, to be displayed onan outer display region.

The ‘closed state’ means a state where an outer surface of the mobileterminal has been exposed to outside. That is, the ‘closed state’ meansa state where at least one of an outer display region and a side displayregion has been exposed to an upper side, as a plurality of displayregions disposed on an inner surface of the mobile terminal arepartially or wholly folded on each other based on a hinge portion. Ifthe plurality of inner display regions of the Mobile terminal have beencompletely folded on each other based on the hinge portion, the firstinner display region 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b areconverted into a deactivated state.

A state where the inner display regions of the mobile terminal have beenpartially folded on each other may be determined as a closed state or anopen state, according to a size of an angle formed between the innerdisplay regions in response to a folding event.

That is, when an angle between the inner display regions is more than areference angle may be defined as an open state. Further, when the anglebetween the inner display regions is less than the reference angle maybe defined as a closed state. Thus, if the inner display regions arerepeatedly folded or unfolded at an angle close to a reference angle, aclosed state and an open state may be repeatedly converted to eachother.

For instance, as shown in FIG. 3(b), if an angle between the first innerdisplay region 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b is equalto or more than a reference angle (‘θ’), no information may be displayedon the side display region 251 d. And the first inner display region 251a and the second inner display region 251 b may maintain an activatedstate.

Further, if the angle between the first inner display region 251 a andthe second inner display region 251 b is decreased to a value less thanthe reference angle (‘θ’), an open state may be converted into a closedstate, and the first inner display region 251 a and the second innerdisplay region 251 b are converted into a deactivated state. This islike an operation to fold two sides of a book so that a thickness of thebook can be seen from a front side.

As shown in FIG. 3(c), information related to an execution screen whichhas been output to the first inner display region 251 a and the secondinner display region 251 b is displayed on the side display region 251d. The information output to the side display region 251 d in a closedstate is different from information which has been output to the firstinner display region 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b inan open state. For this, the first inner display region 251 a, thesecond inner display region 251 b and the side display region 251 d maybe divided from one another by different types of graphic userinterfaces (GUIs).

More specifically, if a folding event to simultaneously fold the firstinner display region 251 a and the second inner display region 251 bbased on a hinge portion occurs, when a message 302 a written on adialogue screen 301 of FIG. 3(a) has not been sent yet (302 b), an icon304 for sending the written message 302 a, and guide information 303 maybe output to the side display region 251 d.

The icon 304 may inform an input type of a control command, i.e., a dragdirection of a touch input, in the form of an arrow (e.g., an upwarddrag touch input). “Send” indicating message transmission may bedisplayed on the guide information 303. If a flicking touch input isapplied to a region where the guide information 303 has been displayed,the written message may be displayed in the form of a preview.

The icon 304 and the guide information 303 may be displayed based on apoint where a user's touch input has been applied. For instance, if afolding event occurs in a state where a user has held (touched) a leftlower end of the first inner display region 251 a and a right lower endof the second inner display region 251 b in a symmetrical manner, theicon 304 and the guide information 303 may be displayed at a positionadjacent to the touch-applied point.

The icon 304 and the guide information 303 may be displayed in the formof a bar-type image long-formed along a side surface of the side displayregion 251 d. Alternatively, the icon 304 and the guide information 303may be displayed in the form of a moving image according to the amountof information to be displayed.

The display unit 151 may include a touch sensor configured to sense atouch input so that a touch input to the icon 304 can be implemented.The display unit 151, which was outputting visual information such asimages (e.g., GUI), texts and icons, may be converted into a deactivatedstate if a predetermined time lapses or a specific control command isinput.

When the icon 304 and the guide information 303 are output, acorresponding voice may be output through the audio output unit 252 (seeFIG. 2A). For instance, a voice guidance, such as “please push a sendingbutton upward (or downward) if you want to send a. message”, may beoutput.

In this state, if a drag input (e.g., upward drag input) is applied tothe icon 304 toward a direction indicated by the icon 304 displayed onthe side display region 251 d, the message 302 a written in an openstate of the mobile terminal is sent to another party's mobile terminal.That is, a task having not been completed in an open state may beconsecutively performed in a closed state. While the message is sent, animage indicating that the message is being sent may be displayed on theside display region 251 d as shown in FIG. 3(d). While the message issent, the side display region 251 d may be temporarily converted into adeactivated state (or input of a control command to the side displayregion 251 d may be blocked).

Upon completion of the message transmission, an image indicatingcompletion of the message transmission may be displayed on the sidedisplay region 251 d for a preset time. Then the side display region 251d may be converted into an activated state, thereby sensing a subsequentinput or preparing for a subsequent operation (e.g., ‘opening event’ tobe explained later in more detail).

In addition, upon completion of the message transmission, informationdifferent from an execution screen which has been output to the firstinner display region 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b canbe displayed on the side display region 251 d. For instance, icons ofapplications which have been recently executed on the first innerdisplay region 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b, or iconsof an application being currently executed on the first inner displayregion 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b may be displayedin a preset order.

Under such configuration, when a user has folded the mobile terminalwithout completing a task being executed on an inner display region inan open state, the rest of the task may be performed by using an outerdisplay without re-opening the mobile terminal. This can allow a simpleuser interface to be implemented. Even in a closed state, information ona task lastly-executed on the inner display region or information on anapplication being currently executed may be provided. This allowsinformation to be provided to a user in a novel manner.

Hereinafter, a hardware configuration of the mobile terminal whichperforms such operation will be explained in more detail with referenceto FIGS. 2A to 2C. FIGS. 2A and 2B are views seen from differentdirections when the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of thepresent invention is in a closed state, and FIG. 2C is a view seen froma front side when the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of thepresent invention is in an open state.

The mobile terminal 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B includes a folder typeterminal body in a closed state. However, the present invention is notlimited to this. The folder type terminal body may include a first body201 a, and a second body 201 b formed as at least one side of the firstbody 201 a has been folded or unfolded.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, when the first body 201 a and the secondbody 201 b are overlapped with each other, i.e., when the first body 201a and the second body 201 b have been folded on each other based on ahinge portion 202, may be referred to as a closed configuration. In theclosed state, the first body 201 a and the second body 201 b arearranged to face each other.

In the closed state, there are provided the display region 251 cdisposed on an outer front surface (‘outer display region’), and thedisplay region 251 d extending from the outer display region 251 c andarranged on a side surface of the mobile terminal (‘side displayregion’). One side of the side display region 251 d is extending to oneside of the first and second inner display regions 251 a and 251 bcovered by the first body 201 a and the second body 201 b.

In a closed state, the outer display region 251 c, and the side displayregion 251 d are in an exposed state, whereas the first and second innerdisplay regions 251 a and 251 b are in a covered state. However, theplurality of display regions which can be folded or unfolded may form asingle display by being connected to each other. In another embodiment,a plurality of display regions may be connected to each other, therebyforming the display unit 151 which can be folded or unfolded.

One side (e.g., an edge) of the outer display region 251 c, and one side(e.g., an edge) of the side display region 251 d may be partiallycovered by a case or a cover. In addition, the side display region 251 dmay be formed to have a predetermined curvature. In this instance, theouter display region 251 c disposed on an outer front surface isconnected to the side display region 251 d in a rounded form. Thus, evenwhen the outer display region 251 c is exposed to a user's front side,at least part of the side display region 251 d may be also exposed to auser's front side.

The hinge portion 202 is configured to support partial folding or wholefolding of the first and second inner display regions 251 a and 251 b,based on a corresponding region. In a closed state, the first and secondinner display regions 251 a and 251 b folded on each other by the hingeportion 202 are disposed at the first body 201 a and the second body 201b, respectively. The hinge portion 202 may be folded at a specific anglewithin a predetermined angle (0°˜180°) based on a connection partbetween the first and second inner display regions 251 a and 251 b(e.g., a central part), or at a specific angle within a predeterminedangle (0°˜360°) according to its structure.

The first body 201 a and the second body 201 b may include a case(casing, housing, cover, etc.) which forms appearance of the mobileterminal 200. In this embodiment, the case 201 may be divided into afront case and a rear case. Various types of electronic components aremounted at a space between the front case and the rear case. At leastone intermediate case may be additionally disposed between the frontcase and the rear case.

The case 201 may be formed by injection-molding synthetic resin or maybe formed of a metal, for example, stainless steel (STS), aluminum (Al),titanium (Ti) or the like. The outer display region 251 c, the audiooutput unit 252, the camera module 221, etc. may be disposed at one sideof the case which forms the appearance of the first body 201 a (i.e.,the front case). The hinge portion 202 may be disposed at one sidesurface (e.g., left side surface) extending from the front case, and theside display region 251 d extending toward the inner display regions maybe disposed at another side surface (e.g., right side surface).

The outer display region 251 c and the side display region 251 d areconfigured to display visual information related to informationprocessed by the first and second inner display regions 251 a and 251 bof the mobile terminal 200. For instance, the outer display region 251 cand the side display region 251 d may display information on anexecution screen of an application program driven by the mobile terminal200, or information on user interface (Up and graphic user interface(GUI) by the execution screen information, and various UI and GUIinformation related to an execution screen processed by the first andsecond inner display regions 251 a and 251 b.

The display unit may include at least one of a liquid crystal display(LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), anorganic light emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, a 3-dimensional(3D) display and an e-ink display.

As another example, the display unit may be a flexible display unit. Theflexible display unit includes a display which can be curved, bent,twisted, folded and rolled by an external force. The flexible displayunit may include a general flexible display and electronic paper (alsoknown as e-paper).

The general flexible display means a display which can be bent, curvedor folded like paper, while maintaining the conventional flat displaycharacteristic. Further, the general flexible display means a light andnon-breakable display fabricated on a thin and flexible substrate. Theterm e-paper may be used to refer to a display technology employing thecharacteristic of a general ink, and is different from the conventionalflat panel display in view of using reflected light. E-paper isgenerally understood as changing displayed information (images or texts)using a twist ball or via electrophoresis using a capsule.

The terminal body configured so that at least part of the display unitcan be folded or unfolded due to its flexible material characteristicmay be implemented. The display unit may include a touch sensor forsensing a touch input applied to the display unit, so that a controlcommand can be input according to a touch type. Once a touch input isapplied to the outer display region 251 c and the side display region251 d, the touch sensor may sense the touch input, and the controllermay generate a control command corresponding to the touch input. Contentwhich is input in a touching manner may be a text or numerical value, ora menu item which can be indicated or designated in various modes.

The touch sensor may be configured in a form of a film having a touchpattern, and may be disposed between a window and a display on a rearsurface of the window. Alternatively, the touch sensor may be a metalwire which is patterned directly on the rear surface of the window.Still alternatively, the touch sensor may be integrally formed with thedisplay. For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on a substrate ofthe display or within the display.

The display unit may form a touch screen together with the touch sensor.In this instance, the touch screen may function as the user input unit123 (refer to FIG. 1). Characteristics of the display unit are equallyapplied to the first and second inner display regions 251 a and 251 b soas to be connected to the side display region 251 d.

That is, the display unit is disposed on part of a front surface, and aside surface of the mobile terminal in a closed state, and is configuredto display visual information. The display unit is formed to be extendedup to an inner surface of the mobile terminal, as well as a frontsurface and a side surface of the mobile terminal. More specifically,the display unit includes a first inner display region 251 a, a secondinner display region 251 b, an outer display region 251 c and a sidedisplay region 251 d. The first inner display region 251 a and thesecond inner display region 251 b are disposed on a front surface of themobile terminal in an open state. The outer display region 251 c isextending from the first inner display region 251 a, and is disposed onpart of a front surface of the mobile terminal in a closed state. Theside display region 251 d is disposed on a side surface of the mobileterminal in a closed state.

The audio output unit 252 may be disposed on part of an entire regionwhere the outer display region 251 c has been arranged, and may includean aperture to permit generated audio to pass. One alternative is toallow audio to be released along an assembly gap between structuralbodies (for example, a gap between the window and the front case). Inthis instance, a hole independently formed to output audio may not beseen or is otherwise hidden in terms of appearance, thereby furthersimplifying the appearance of the mobile terminal 200. In addition, theaudio output unit 252 may be further provided on a rear surface of themobile terminal 200.

The camera module 221 may be disposed on part of an entire region wherethe outer display region 251 c has been arranged, close to the audiooutput unit 252. The camera module 221 processes image frames of stillpictures or video obtained by image sensors in a video or image capturemode. The processed image frames may be displayed on the display unit151 (especially, on the outer display region 251 c), or may be stored inmemory 170.

A camera module may be additionally provided on an inner surface of theterminal body. In this instance, the camera module may face a directionwhich is opposite to a direction faced by the camera module 221, and mayhave different pixels from those of the camera module 221.

For example, the camera module 221 may operate with relatively lowerpixels (lower resolution). Thus, the camera module 221 may be usefulwhen a user can capture his face and send it to another party during avideo call or the like. Further, the camera module may operate with arelatively higher pixels (higher resolution) such that it can be usefulfor a user to obtain higher quality pictures for later use. Such cameramodules may be installed at the terminal body so as to rotate or pop-up.

In addition, a rear input unit may be provided on a rear surface of themobile terminal 200, as another example of the user input unit 123. Therear input unit may receive various commands for controlling anoperation of the mobile terminal 200. For instance, the rear input unitis configured to input commands such as POWER ON/OFF, START, END andSCROLL, and is configured to input commands for controlling a level ofsound output from the audio output unit 252, or commands for convertingthe current mode of the display unit to a touch recognition mode. Therear input unit may be configured to receive a touch input, a pushinput, or a combination thereof.

The mobile terminal 200 of FIG. 2C includes a folder type terminal bodyin an open state. As shown in FIG. 2C, the open state of the mobileterminal 200 may indicate a state where the first and second innerdisplay regions 251 a and 251 b have been exposed to an upper side, asthe first body 201 a and the second body 201 b rotate in a direction tomove far from each other. That is, the open state may indicate a statewhere the first body 201 a and the second body 201 b have been unfoldedfrom each other based on the hinge portion 202.

Under this state, the plurality of inner display regions 251 a and 251 bconnected to each other are exposed to an upper side. For instance, thefirst inner display region is disposed at a left region of the mobileterminal 200, and the second inner display region is disposed at a rightregion of the mobile terminal 200. The aforementioned side displayregion 251 d is disposed at a left side of the first inner displayregion 251 a, in an extending manner.

As the first inner display region 251 a is exposed to an upper side, theouter display region 251 c connected to the side display region 251 d iscovered by contacting the floor. The covered outer display region 251 cmay be unfolded toward an upper side together with the side displayregion 251 d, while maintaining an open state of the mobile terminal.Thus, the mobile terminal may be converted into the aforementioned‘extended open state’.

In this instance, the display unit may have a larger screen, since thefirst inner display region 251 a, the second inner display region 251 b,the side display region 251 d, and the outer display region 251 c areconnected to one another. In an open state, part of the side displayregion 251 d may be independently operated from the first inner displayregion 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b.

In an extended open state, the outer display region 251 c and the sidedisplay region 251 d may be independently operated from the first innerdisplay region 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b.Especially, in an extended open state, screen information different froman execution screen output to the first inner display region 251 a andthe second inner display region 251 b may be output to the outer displayregion 251 c and the side display region 251 d. Alternatively, the outerdisplay region 251 c and the side display region 251 d may be configuredto receive a specific control command for controlling an output of anexecution screen to the first inner display region 251 a and the secondinner display region 251 b.

In another embodiment, screen information output to the first innerdisplay region 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b isextended up to the side display region 251 d. Thus, a user can use thedisplay unit by extending the current execution screen into a largersize.

An accessory for protecting an appearance or assisting or extending thefunctions of the mobile terminal. 200 can also be provided on the mobileterminal 200. As one example of an accessory, a cover or pouch forcovering or accommodating at least one surface of the mobile terminal200 may be provided. The cover or pouch may cooperate with the displayunit 251 to extend the function of the mobile terminal 200. Anotherexample of the accessory is a touch pen for assisting or extending atouch input to a touch screen. The touch pen may be coupled to themobile terminal 200, by being inserted into a hinge portion providedbetween the first inner display region 251 a and the second innerdisplay region 251 b.

As aforementioned, the controller of the mobile terminal 200 maygenerate a control signal for controlling a screen output to an innerdisplay region, using the outer display region in an open state or adosed state. Alternatively, the controller 180 can generate a controlsignal related to a specific function.

Hereinafter, a method of outputting information related to a screenoutput to an inner display region and controlling a specific function,by combining an open state or a closed state of the mobile terminal,with an inner display region, an outer display region and a side displayregion will be explained in more detail. In particular, FIG. 4 is aflowchart illustrating a control method according to an embodiment ofthe present invention, and FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c) are conceptual viewsillustrating FIG. 4.

In an open state, the controller 180 can output an execution screen ofat least one application, to an inner display region of the mobileterminal 200 (5410).

As aforementioned, the open state means an exposed state of an innersurface of the mobile terminal, i.e., a state where a plurality ofdisplay regions disposed on an inner surface of the mobile terminal areexposed to an upper side by being partially or wholly unfolded based ona hinge portion. For instance, as shown in FIG. 5(a), when the firstinner display region 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b areexposed to an upper side by being completely unfolded from each other,may be referred to as an ‘open state’. The state is similar to when abook has been unfolded.

In addition, in an extended open state where the first inner displayregion 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b have beencompletely unfolded, and where the first inner display region 251 a, theouter display region 251 c and the side display region 251 d have beencompletely or almost unfolded to be exposed toward an upper side, anexecution screen of at least one application can be output to anextended inner front surface display.

When converting an open state where an execution screen of at least oneapplication is being output to an inner front surface display, into anextended open state, the execution screen can be output up to the outerdisplay region 251 c and the side display region 251 d (extendeddisplays). Alternatively, screen information related to otherapplication (e.g., icons or an execution screen corresponding to otherapplication, etc.) may be output to the outer display region 251.c andthe side display region 251 d (extended displays).

When at least one of the first inner display region 251 a and the secondinner display region 251 b is in a deactivated state, if a touch inputis applied to the first inner display region 251 a or the second innerdisplay region 251 b, or if the first inner display region 251 a or thesecond inner display region 251 b is unfolded by being upward/downwardbent a little, at least one of the first inner display region 251 a andthe second inner display region 251 b can be converted into an activatedstate. Thus, the execution screen of at least one application can beoutput to at least one of the first inner display region 251 a and thesecond inner display region 251 b.

In this instance, any type of applications may be output to the innerfront surface display. More specifically, applications may be referredto as ‘application programs’, which mean all types of programs which canbe driven in the mobile terminal. Such applications may be programsrelated to a web browser, moving image play, schedule management, calls,games, music, document tasks, messages, finance, e-books, trafficinformation, application update, etc. Thus, an execution screen ofapplications means various visual information output to the display unitand a screen change, which result from as the applications are executed.

For instance, as shown in FIG. 5(a), screen information 501 forperforming a finance application and an account transfer are output to asingle screen connected to a first inner display region 251 a disposedon a left front surface, and a second inner display region 251 bdisposed on a right front surface. When the mobile terminal operates ina first mode, a single screen can be output to the first inner displayregion 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b.

When the mobile terminal operates in a second mode, a screen can beoutput to one of the first inner display region 251 a and the secondinner display region 251 b, or different screens can be output to thefirst inner display region 251 a and the second inner display region 251b. When the mobile terminal operates in a third mode, a single screencan be output to the first inner display region 251 a, the second innerdisplay region 251 b, an outer display region 251 c and a side displayregion 251 d, or different screens can be output to the outer displayregion 251 c and the side display region 251 d. In this embodiment, themobile terminal may operate in the first mode, in the second mode, or inthe third mode.

In this state, the controller 180 can sense that a folding event hasoccurred on the display unit 251, through the sensing unit (S420). Thefolding event may mean that the first inner display region 251 a and thesecond inner display region 251 b (i.e., inner front surface displays)are folded on each other toward an approaching direction based on ahinge portion, as an external force is applied to a body correspondingto one region of the display unit (i.e., the first inner display region251 a and the second inner display region 251 b) in an open state.Alternatively, the folding event may mean that the outer display region251 c and the side display region 251 d displayed on an inner frontsurface in an ‘extended open state’ are backward bent to be disposed onan outer side surface.

The sensing unit 140 of the mobile terminal may sense whether a foldingevent has occurred or not, using at least one of a gyro sensor, ageomagnetic sensor, an acceleration, sensor and an illumination sensor.The sensing unit 140 senses a tilted angle (or folded angle) of aspecific display region, based on a ground surface. Results on thesensing are sent to the controller 180.

The sensing unit 140 may sense not only a folding angle corresponding toa folding event, but also an arrangement angle of the mobile terminal.If a folding event occurs when the mobile terminal has been unfolded ina vertical direction unlike in FIG. 5(a), and if the mobile terminal isrotated in a horizontal direction, the sensing unit 140 can sense anarrangement, angle of the mobile terminal corresponding to the foldingevent. The sensed arrangement angle may be sent to the controller 180.

The controller 180 can control an output operation corresponding to thefolding event and a change of the arrangement angle. For this, the gyrosensor, the geomagnetic sensor, the acceleration sensor, etc. of thesensing unit 140 are disposed at a point where a folding event, occurs,or around the point (e.g., between first and second inner displayregions).

The controller 180 can convert the open state into a closed state, basedon a closed type corresponding to the folding event. Then the controller180 can display information on the execution screen, on one of the outerdisplay region 251 c and the side display region 251 d (S430). If afolding event occurs on first and second inner display regions, thesensing unit 140 can sense a gradient change on the first and secondinner display regions, thereby sensing a closed type of the mobileterminal.

As aforementioned, the closed type corresponding to the folding eventmay include a first closed type to simultaneously fold the first innerdisplay region 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b; a secondclosed type to fold the first inner display region 251 a so as to coverthe second inner display region 251 b, by much moving the first innerdisplay region 251 a while the second inner display region 251 b isscarcely moved; and a third closed type to fold the second inner displayregion 251 b so as to cover the first inner display region 251 a, bymuch moving the second inner display region 251 b while the first innerdisplay region 251 a is scarcely moved. An open state of the mobileterminal 200 may be converted into a closed state by one of the first tothird closed types.

When the closed type is the first closed type, the mobile terminal 200is closed so that the side display region 251 d can be exposed to anupper side. When the closed type is the second closed type, the mobileterminal 200 is closed so that the outer display region 251 c can beexposed to an upper side. When the closed type is the third closed type,the mobile terminal 200 is closed so that only a rear frame or a rearcover can be exposed to an upper side.

As aforementioned, the closed type may be determined by combining atleast one of a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensorand an illumination sensor, or by recognizing a moving distance of ahinge portion. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 5(a) and (b), as a usersimultaneously folds the first inner display region 251 a and the secondinner display region 251 b, the outer display region (i.e., the sidedisplay region 251 d) may be exposed to an upper side. Thus, informationrelated to screen information output to the first inner display region251 a and the second inner display region 251 b may be displayed on theside display region 251 d.

As the aforementioned folding event occurs, the controller 180 canconvert an open state of the mobile terminal into a closed state. Inthis instance, the controller 180 can control visual information relatedto screen information which has been output in the open state, to bedisplayed on an outer display or an outer display region.

The closed state means when an inner surface of the mobile terminal iscovered but an outer surface of the mobile terminal is exposed tooutside. That is, the closed state means when the outer display region251 c and the side display region 251 d have been exposed to an upperside as a plurality of display regions disposed on an inner surface ofthe mobile terminal are partially or wholly folded based on a hingeportion. In the closed state, the first inner display region 251 a andthe second inner display region 251 b disposed on an inner surface ofthe mobile terminal are converted into a deactivated state.

When the inner display regions of the mobile terminal have beenpartially folded on each other may be determined as a closed state or anopen state, according to a size of an angle formed between the innerdisplay regions in response to a folding event. That is, when an anglebetween the inner display regions is more than a reference angle may bedefined as an open state. Further, when the angle between the innerdisplay regions is less than the reference angle may be defined as aclosed state. Thus if the inner display regions are repeatedly folded orunfolded at an angle close to a reference angle, a closed state and anopen state may be repeatedly converted to each other.

For instance, as shown in FIG. 5(b), if an angle between the first innerdisplay region 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b is equalto or more than a reference angle (‘θ’) (i.e., if an open state isimplemented), no information may be displayed on the side display region251 d. As the first inner display region 251 a and the second innerdisplay region 251 b maintain an activated state, the screen information501 for executing an account transfer may be continuously output.

Further, if the angle between the first inner display region 251 a andthe second inner display region 251 b is decreased to a value less thanthe reference angle (‘θ’) (i.e., if a closed state is implemented asshown in FIG. 5(c)), the first inner display region 251 a and the secondinner display region 251 b are converted into a deactivated state. Inaddition, visual information related to the screen information 501 canbe output to the side display region 251 d.

In another embodiment, only when the inner display regions of the mobileterminal have been completely folded, it may be determined that an openstate has been converted into a closed state. In this instance, when anangle between the first inner display region 251 a and the second innerdisplay region 251 b of the display unit is ‘0’, predeterminedinformation may be displayed on the outer display region 251 c or theside display region 251 d.

The execution screen-related information may mean an application relatedto screen information which has been output to the first inner displayregion 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b when a foldingevent occurs, a non-completed task, a task being currently executed, anoperation state, etc. For this, if a folding event occurs, thecontroller 180 can recognize screen information which has been output tothe first inner display region 251 a and the second inner display region251 b at that time, an application being currently executed, a taskstate, an operation state, etc.

The controller 180 can determine information to be displayed on theouter display region 251 c or the side display region 251 d, inconnection with the recognized screen information, an application whichis being executed, a task state, an operation state, etc. For instance,when a folding event occurs as shown in FIG. 5(a), the controller 180can recognize that screen information which has been output to the firstinner display region 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b isa finance application, and a state corresponding to an execution screenis a security authentication-completed state. The securityauthentication indicates an authentication corresponding to input of apassword or an authorization code.

In this state, if the mobile terminal is closed as the first innerdisplay region 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b aresimultaneously folded on each other, an icon 503 and guide information.502 for maintaining a security authentication is output to the sidedisplay region 251 d which is to be exposed to an upper side. In thisinstance, a display direction of the guide information 502 correspondsto a folding direction of the first inner display region 251 a and thesecond inner display region 251 b.

For instance, if the first inner display region 251 a and the secondinner display region 251 b are simultaneously folded on each other afterrotating in a horizontal direction like a book, the information isdisplayed on the side display region 251 d in a vertical direction.Further, if the first inner display region 251 a and the second innerdisplay region 251 b are simultaneously folded on each other afterrotating in a vertical direction like a notebook, the information isdisplayed on the side display region 251 d in a horizontal direction.That is, since the information is displayed in a direction matching auser's eye line, a user's convenience can be enhanced.

The icon 503 and the guide information 502 may be displayed based on apoint to which a touch input corresponding to a folding event has beenapplied. For instance, if a folding event occurs when a user has held(touched) a left upper end of the first inner display region 251 a and aright upper end of the second inner display region 251 b in asymmetrical manner, the icon 503 and the guide information 502 may bedisplayed at a position adjacent to the touch-applied point. The displayunit may be provided with a touch sensor so that a touch input to theicon 503 can be implemented.

The icon 503 and the guide information 502 may be displayed as differentimages (e.g., different images in shape, length, color etc.) or movingimages, according to a type of an application being currently executedwhen a folding event occurs, a type of a non-completed task, the amountof a non-completed task, etc. For instance, the icon 503 and the guideinformation 502 may be an icon and guide information for maintaining asecurity authentication in a finance application, as shown in FIG. 5(c).

If information on an execution screen output to a display correspondingto an open state is displayed on a display selected in a closed state,and if a touch input is applied to a region where such information hasbeen displayed, the controller executes at least one function related toinformation displayed on the selected display (S440).

For instance, as shown in FIG. 5(c), if a drag input is applied to theside display region 251 d toward a direction indicated by the icon 503for maintaining a security authentication (e.g., right direction), thecontroller maintains a security-authenticated state on a web page 501,for an account transfer which has been executed in an open state of themobile terminal (or updates at least once). Thus, even if a time set asa default vale to release a security authentication state on acorresponding web page (e.g., 1 minute and 30 seconds) has lapsed, thesecurity authentication state is maintained. If the mobile terminal isre-converted into an open state after 2 minutes, a recently-outputscreen, i.e., screen information for executing an account transfer, isre-output to the first inner display region 251 a and the second innerdisplay region 251 b. And the security authentication state ismaintained on the corresponding screen information.

In this instance, guide information for executing other function may bedisplayed according to a type of a touch input applied to the guideinformation 502. For instance, if a flicking touch input of a presetdirection is applied to the guide information 502, a ‘passwordmaintenance’ may be changed into a ‘password release’. In this state, ifa touch input is applied to the icon 503, the security authenticationapplied to the web page 501 in an open state is immediately released. Inanother embodiment, if a flicking touch input of a preset direction isapplied to the guide information 502, different information related toscreen information which has been output in an open state (e.g., relatedother finance applications) may be displayed.

The controller 180 can control other function to be additionallyexecuted, according to a release point of a drag input applied to theicon 503 displayed on the side display region 251 d. For instance, whenan arrow direction indicated by the icon 503 is a left direction unlikein FIG. 5(c), if a drag input applied to the icon 503 is released on theouter display region 251 c after being extended up to the outer displayregion 251 c, the controller 180 can execute a function to maintain asecurity authentication-completed state, but also may further execute acontrol operation to maintain such state for a longer time (e.g., morethan 3 minutes) than a default value set by the web page 501.

If a preset time lapses when a user's touch input has not been appliedto the icon 503 or the guide information 502, visual informationdisplayed on the side display region 251 d may disappear, and the touchsensor may maintain an activated state so as to sense a touch input fora predetermined time.

FIG. 5(c) illustrates only an execution key related to maintenance of asecurity authentication. However, in another embodiment, a key or aninput method for releasing a security authentication may be furtherdisplayed. In this instance, if a user applies a preset type of touchinput to the key for releasing a security authentication, a securityauthentication performed on the web page output to the first innerdisplay region 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b isimmediately released. For instance, when a user lends a mobile terminalto another person, the user may immediately perform a security releasewithout opening the mobile terminal, for prevention of leakage offinancial information.

As aforementioned, the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of thepresent invention may control an output operation of an inner displayregion, using an outer display region. Especially, if a folding eventoccurs when a specific task has not been completed on the inner displayregion, the mobile terminal may perform the specific task in a closedstate, using the outer display region.

Further, if an open state of the mobile terminal is converted to aclosed state when a specific task which was being executed in the openstate has not been completed, information on the specific task isdifferently processed according to a closed type corresponding to afolding event.

Next, FIGS. 6A(a) to 8(d) are conceptual views illustrating examples ofan operation of the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. FIGS. 6A(a) to 8(d) illustrate various embodimentsperformed by an outer display when a folding event occurs when a taskhas not been completed on an inner display region.

As shown in FIGS. 6A(a) to 6A(d), when an execution screen of a messageapplication has been output to first and second inner display regions251 a and 251 b, and when a written message 602 a has not been sent, thesensing unit may sense occurrence of the aforementioned folding eventbetween the first inner display region 251 a and the second innerdisplay region 251 b.

While the folding event occurs, the controller maintains a deactivatedstate of an outer display region 251 c and a side display region 251 ddisposed on an outer surface of the mobile terminal. The controller 180can recognize a closed type corresponding to the folding event,according to a sensing result by the sensing unit 140.

As aforementioned, the closed type corresponding to the folding eventmay include a first closed type to simultaneously fold the first innerdisplay region 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b on eachother; a second closed type to fold the first inner display region 251 aso as to cover the second inner display region 251 b, by much moving thefirst inner display region 251 a while the second inner display region251 b is scarcely moved; and a third closed type to fold the secondinner display region 251 b so as to cover the first inner display region251 a, by much moving the second inner display region 251 b while thefirst inner display region 251 a is scarcely moved. An open state of themobile terminal 200 may be converted into a closed state by one of thefirst to third closed types.

When the closed type is the first closed type, the mobile terminal 200is closed so that the side display region 251 d can be exposed to anupper side. When the closed type is the second closed type, the mobileterminal 200 is closed so that the outer display region 251 c can beexposed to an upper side. When the closed type is the third closed type,the mobile terminal 200 is closed so that only a rear frame or a rearcover can be exposed to an upper side. As aforementioned, the closedtype may be determined by combining at least one of a gyro sensor, ageomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor and an illumination sensor,or by recognizing a moving distance of a hinge portion.

For instance, referring to FIGS. 6A(a) and (b), if an angle between thefirst inner display region 251 a and the second inner display region 251b is equal to or more than ‘θ’ a deactivated state of the side displayregion 251 d is maintained. In addition, even if an angle between thefirst inner display region 251 a and the second inner display region 251b is equal to or more than ‘θ’ in the second closed type, a deactivatedstate of the third region 251 d is maintained.

If an open state of the mobile terminal is converted into a closed statebased on a folding event, the controller 180 can convert either theouter display region (third region), or the side display region (fourthregion) into an activated state, based on a closed type corresponding tothe folding event.

More specifically, if the first closed type where a gradient change isdetected only from the first inner display region 251 a disposed on aleft inner surface of the mobile terminal, the controller displaysinformation related to a screen which has been output to the innerdisplay regions, on the outer display region 251 c. If the second closedtype where a gradient change is detected from both the first innerdisplay region 251 a disposed on a left inner surface and the secondinner display region 251 b disposed on a right inner surface, thecontroller displays information related to a screen which has beenoutput to the inner display regions, on the side display region 251 d.If an open state of the mobile terminal is converted into a closedstate, the first and second inner display regions 251 a and 251 b may beconverted into a deactivated state.

As shown in FIG. 6A(c), if an open state of the mobile terminal isconverted into a closed state as the first inner display region 251 aand the second inner display region 251 b disposed on an inner surfaceare simultaneously folded, a first image for sending a message 602 awritten in the open state, i.e., an icon 604 and guide information 603are displayed on the side display region 251 d. If a user performs adrag input toward a direction indicated by the icon 604, the message 602a is sent to another party's mobile terminal.

As shown in FIG. 6B(c), if an open state of the mobile terminal isconverted into a closed state as the first inner display region 251 adisposed on an inner surface is folded to cover the second inner displayregion 251 b, a second image for sending a message 607 b written in theopen state, i.e., a sending icon 609 a, a cancellation icon 609 b, and awritten message in a preview form 608 may be displayed on the outerdisplay region 251 c in the form of a preview. As shown, the previewicon 608 may be displayed at an upper end of the outer display region251 c, whereas the sending icon 609 a and the cancellation icon 609 bmay be displayed at a lower end of the outer display region 251 c.

If a user applies a touch input to the sending icon 609 a, the writtenmessage 608 is sent to another party's mobile terminal. If a userapplies a touch input to the cancellation icon 609 b, a task may becompleted when the written message 608 has not been sent. In thisinstance, the sending icon 609 a, the cancellation icon 609 b, and thepreview icon 608 may disappear from the outer display region 251 c.

When an open state of the mobile terminal is converted into a closedstate, a different image may be output according to a region to whichinformation is to be output, i.e., according to the outer display region251 c or the side display region 251 d. That is, the first image outputto the outer display region 251 c may be different from the second imageoutput to the side display region 251 d. The reason is because the outerdisplay region 251 c is different from the side display region 251 d insize and shape. For instance, the outer display region 251 c may displaya relatively larger amount of information, due to its larger size thanthe side display region 251 d.

If a preset type of touch input is applied to the icon and thus acorresponding function is executed, the controller 180 can subsequentlydisplay, on an outer surface display, different information related toan execution screen which has been output in an open state. Forinstance, if a drag input is applied to the icon 604 shown in FIG. 6A(c)toward a preset direction (e.g., upward direction), the message 602 amay be sent to another party's mobile terminal. Then icons ofapplications which were being executed in an open state, icons ofapplications registered to ‘favorites (bookmark)’, or an icon of arecently-wed application may be displayed on the side display region 251d.

If an open state of the mobile terminal is converted into a closed stateas the first inner display region 251 a disposed on an inner surface isfolded to cover the second inner display region 251 b, the controller180 can further activate the side display region 251 d as well as theouter display region 251 c.

Once the side display region 251 d is activated, the controller 180 cansense that a drag input applied to the outer display region 251 c hasbeen extended up to the side display region 251 d, or has been releasedon the side display region 251 d. For instance, as shown in FIG. 7A(c),when an image 703 including a message 702 b not sent from an innerdisplay region has been displayed on the outer display region 251 c, ifa drag input toward the side display region 251 d from the outer displayregion 251 c is applied to the image 703, the controller 180 can extendthe image 703 up to the side display region 251 d, with changing a sizeof the image 703 along a path of the drag input.

More specifically, an image, of which size is gradually changed along apath of the drag input, is generated on the outer display region 251 cand the side display region 251 d. In addition, predeterminedinformation (e.g., Please call back′) is displayed on the image. Theimage may be differently processed according to a point where the draginput is released. For instance, if the drag input is released on theouter display region 251 c, the size of the image is not changed or theoriginal image is restored, and no function is performed.

Further, if the drag input is released on the side display region 251 d,a changed image may be maintained or fixed for a predetermined time ormore (e.g., when sending is completed). According to the drag input, theinformation displayed on part of the outer display region 251 c (e.g.,Please call back′) may be more extended, or may be changed into othercontent. Alternatively, an effect to unfold rolled paper, or an effectto pull an elastic body such as a rubber band may be provided to theimage 703 according to the drag input.

Once the applied drag input is released, the controller sends themessage 702 b included in the image 703. That is, if the drag input isreleased, the message 702 b is sent to another party's mobile terminal.The controller 180 can change the image 703 into an image 705 indicatingthat a function corresponding to the drag input (e.g., ‘message sendingfunction’) is being executed.

An indicator bar (or progress bar) indicating that the message is beingsent may be further displayed on the side display region 251 d. Asaforementioned, when the side display region 251 d is formed to have apredetermined curvature, the controller 180 can display, on the sidedisplay region 251 d, an indicator bar (or progress bar) indicating thata function corresponding to the drag input (e.g., ‘message sendingfunction’) is being executed. In this instance, on the outer displayregion 251 c, the controller 180 can continuously display the image 703or may display other information (e.g., another party's phone number).

In this state, if a user applies a touch input to the indicator bar(progress bar) displayed on the side display region 251 d, otherinformation related to the indicator bar displayed on the side displayregion 251 d (e.g., a preset image, a chat window, etc.) may bedisplayed on the outer display region 251 c. The controller 180 cancontrol a different function to be executed, according to a point wherea drag input applied to an image is released.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A(d), if a drag input applied tothe image 703 including a written message is released on the sidedisplay region 251 d after being extended up to the side display region251 d, the message being sent may not be cancelled. Further, if the draginput extended up to the side display region 251 d is released on theouter display region 251 c, the message being sent may be cancelledbefore it is completely sent. In this instance, an icon to cancel thesending may be popped up on the outer display region 251 c or the sidedisplay region 251 d until the sending is completed.

When the indicator bar indicating that the message 702 b is being senthas been displayed on the side display region 251 d, the controller 180can perform a different control command according to a type of a touchinput applied to the indicator bar. For instance, if a short touch inputis applied to the indicator bar, an image related to another party'smobile terminal which is to receive a message is displayed on the outerdisplay region 251 c or the side display region 251 d. Further, if along touch input is applied to the indicator bar, an icon for cancellingmessage transmission may be displayed on the outer display region 251 cor the side display region 251 d. Upon application of a touch input forup-down moving the indicator bar, a scrolling for up-down movinginformation which has been output to the outer display region 251 c maybe performed.

In another embodiment, when the image 705 indicating that the message isbeing sent has been displayed on the outer display region 251 c, if itis sensed that the side display region 251 d has been positioned towardan upper side, the controller 180 can control the image 705 to bedisplayed on the side display region 251 d. When the image displayed onthe outer display region 251 c is displayed on the side display region251 d, the image may be changed into another image (e.g., decrease ofinformation amount).

If message transmission is completed, or if message transmission iscancelled as shown in FIGS. 7B(c) and (d), icons 706 of applicationswhich were being executed in an open state may be displayed on the outerdisplay region 251 c. A display order of the icons 705 may be preset, ormay be an order that a corresponding application has been executedrecently.

In the above embodiments, even when an inner display region has beencovered, an output operation of the inner display region may becontrolled using an outer display region.

Next, FIGS. 8(a) to 8(d) illustrate an embodiment to display anoperation state of an inner display region using an outer displayregion, when the inner display region has been covered. The controller180 can sense occurrence of a folding event, when at least one task isbeing executed on an execution screen corresponding to at least oneapplication, in an open state. For instance, as shown in FIG. 8(a), whena specific application has been installed through a web server, or whenan update function of a pre-installed application is being executed, thecontroller 180 can sense simultaneous folding of the first inner displayregion 251 a disposed on a left inner surface, and the second innerdisplay region 251 b disposed on a right inner surface of the mobileterminal as shown in FIG. 8(b).

Once a folding event occurs, the controller 180 can display a first iconon one of the outer display region 251 c disposed on an outer surface ofthe mobile terminal and the side display region 251 d extended to anouter side surface, the first icon indicating that at least one task isbeing executed according to a closed type corresponding to the foldingevent.

The task may have any type. For instance, the task may include varioustypes of non-completed tasks, e.g., sending a written message, capturingan image, downloading moving images, etc.

As shown in FIG. 8(c), the first inner display region 251 a and thesecond inner display region 251 b are simultaneously folded on eachother. As shown in FIG. 8(d), an image 802 indicating that a specificapplication is being downloaded is displayed on the side display region251 d extended to an outer side surface of the mobile terminal.

Upon completion of the task, the controller changes the first icondisplayed on the outer display region 251 c or the side display region251 d, into a second icon indicating completion of the task. Forinstance, as shown in 8(d), an image corresponding to ‘completion ofapplication download’ (e.g., ‘download completed’) may be displayed onthe side display region 251 d in a direction corresponding to a gradientof the mobile terminal.

When the image 802 indicating that a specific application is beingdownloaded has been displayed as shown in FIG. 8(c), if a preset type oftouch input (e.g., double-shot touch input) is applied to the image 802,the controller 180 can stop downloading the specific application.

So far, a method of displaying related information or controlling anoutput operation when an open state of the mobile terminal is convertedinto a closed state, has been explained. FIGS. 9A and 9B are conceptualviews illustrating different embodiments to inform an operation state ofan inner display region, using an outer display when a preset time or aconsiderable time lapses after an open state of the mobile terminal hasbeen converted into a closed state.

If an open state of the mobile terminal is converted into a closedstate, the controller outputs information related to a screen which hasbeen output in the open state, on an outer display or an outer displayregion, as aforementioned. In this state, if a preset time lapses, theouter display or the outer display region is converted into adeactivated state.

If a preset condition is satisfied while the closed state is maintained,the controller 180 can display, on the outer display region or the sidedisplay region, a state for controlling an operation of someapplications executed on the inner display regions. The preset conditionmay be a state condition for changing an operation mode of the mobileterminal, or a time condition preset so that a specific function can beexecuted. For instance, the preset condition may be a function torestrict some operations of the mobile terminal according to a batterystate, an alarm function to inform a specific schedule, etc.

FIGS. 9A(a) to 9A(c) are views illustrating that a state for executingan operation restriction mode of the mobile terminal has been displayedon the outer display according to a battery state of the mobileterminal. As shown in FIG. 9A(a), if an open state of the mobileterminal is convened into a closed state, while a camera function isperformed by using first and second inner display regions, informationrelated to the camera function is displayed on the outer display region251 c disposed on an outer surface of the mobile terminal. Then theinformation disappears when a predetermined time lapses. Thus, the outerdisplay region 251 c is re-converted into a deactivated state, or atouch sensor is activated for a predetermined time.

In this state, the controller 180 can check a battery state of themobile terminal. That is, the controller 180 can check a state of abattery included in the power supply unit 190 at preset time intervalsor real time. The battery state is related to a remaining amount of thebattery, and the controller 180 can check whether a battery level isequal to or less than a reference value (e.g., the remaining amount ofthe battery is 10% or less than) or not. The reference value may bechanged according to a user's selection, or may have a preset defaultvalue before it is changed by a user.

If the battery level is less than the reference level as a check result,the controller 180 can display visual information for activating anoperation restriction mode, on the outer display region 251 c, while themobile terminal maintains the closed state. The operation restrictionmode means that the controller controls at least one of visualinformation, tactile information and auditory information, for aminimized usage amount of the batter. Considering a case where a user isnot viewing the mobile terminal, the controller 180 can inform a stateof the mobile terminal by displaying on the outer display region 251 c,or by vibration or sound.

When the battery level is equal to or less than the reference level, ifthe mobile terminal has been set so that the operation restriction modecan be automatically executed, the controller 180 can display, on theouter display region 251 c, only an image indicating execution of theoperation restriction mode.

When the battery level is equal to or less than the reference level, ifthe mobile terminal has been set so that an application selected by auser's input can be terminated, the controller 180 can display, on theouter display region 251 c, visual information inquiring whether toterminate applications being executed, or visual information inquiringwhether to enter a battery saving mode or not. For instance, when thebattery level is less than the reference level, as shown in FIG. 9A(b),the controller 180 can display, on the outer display region 251 c, eachbattery consumption amount of a camera application, a messageapplication and an SNS application which are being executed in themobile terminal, a selection icon 902 and a termination icon 903.

A display order of terminable applications may correspond to arecently-executed order. For instance, an icon which has been executedthe most recently in an open state of the mobile terminal (e.g., cameraapplication) may be firstly displayed. When there are a large number ofterminable applications, information output to the outer display region251 c may be moved up and down according to a direction of a touch inputapplied to the outer display region 251 c or the side display region 251d, and then an application to be terminated may be selected. Then if ashort touch input is applied to the termination icon 903, the selectedapplication is terminated. Further, if a long touch input is applied tothe termination icon 903, all applications which were being executed onfirst and second inner display regions may be terminated at one time.

In addition, when the mobile terminal is laid on a bottom surface whenthe first inner display region 251 a has been covered by the secondinner display region 251 b, i.e., when no display has been exposed to anouter front surface, an image or an icon indicating execution of anoperation restriction mode may be displayed only on the side displayregion 251 d. Once a touch input is applied to the selection icon 902and the termination icon 903 (deletion icon) is selected, thecorresponding icon is terminated while the mobile terminal maintains theclosed state. Thus battery consumption can be reduced. Accordingly, auser needs not terminate the corresponding application after convertingthe first region and the second region into an ‘ON’ state by opening themobile terminal. Visual information for inducing charging of the mobileterminal, or visual information informing a position of a charger may betemporarily displayed on the outer display region 251 c or the sidedisplay region 251 d.

When information related to an operation restriction mode of the mobileterminal has been displayed on the outer display region 251 c or theside display region 251 d, the mobile terminal starts to be charged. Inthis instance, information indicating the charging may be displayed onthe outer display region 251 c or the side display region 251 d. Whenthe battery level exceeds the reference level, the operation restrictionmode may be released, and the released state may be displayed on theouter display region 251 c or the side display region 251 d incorrespondence to an arranged state of the mobile terminal.

FIGS. 9B(a) to 9B(c) are views illustrating an embodiment to display astate on an outer surface display, the state related to an alarmfunction for informing a specific schedule or time preset to the mobileterminal. As shown in FIG. 9B(a), if an open state of the mobileterminal is converted into a closed state, while a camera function isperformed by using first and second inner display regions, informationrelated to the camera function is displayed on the outer display region251 c disposed on an outer surface of the mobile terminal. Then theinformation disappears when a predetermined time lapses. Thus the outerdisplay region 251 c is reconverted into a deactivated state, or a touchsensor is activated for a predetermined time.

In this state, the controller 180 can check time corresponding to analarm function preset to the mobile terminal. That is, the controller180 can compare a schedule set to a schedule application, or an alarmtime set to an alarm application, with a current time, at preset timeintervals or real time. Thus the controller 180 can inform a user ofwhether there remains a predetermined time before the preset schedule oralarm time, or the current time corresponds to the preset schedule oralarm time.

As shown in FIG. 9B(b), an alarm list including a plurality of schedules(e.g., going to hospital) may be displayed on the outer display region251 c, with preset alarm times. In order to prevent an alarm fromringing at a preset alarm time, a schedule selection icon 904 and analarm off icon 905 may be displayed on the outer display region 251 c.

FIGS. 10(a) to 10(d) are conceptual views illustrating a method ofprocessing an event using an outer surface display, when the event hasoccurred in an open state. In the aforementioned open state of themobile terminal, the controller 180 can sense that an event has occurredfrom at least one application.

The event may be a missed call, an application to be updated, anincoming message, charging the mobile terminal, turning on the mobileterminal, turning off the mobile terminal, an LCD awake key, an alarm,an incoming call, a missed notification, etc. As another example, whenspecific information is received through the wireless communication unitof the mobile terminal, it may be determined that an event has occurredfrom an application related to the specific information. As stillanother example, when a user's input item is included in a schedulemanagement, it may be determined that an event has occurred from aschedule management application when the current date corresponds to theinput item.

The controller 180 can output an icon indicating occurrence of an event,on a part of the first region (e.g., left upper end). A screen, whichhas been output before the occurrence of the event, is continuouslyoutput to parts rather than the one part of the first region. Thecontroller 180 can output the occurred event in a different formaccording to a setting of the mobile terminal, e.g., by sound,vibration, LED change, and a combination thereof.

For instance, when a moving image play screen 1001 has been output to afirst inner display region 251 a and a second inner display region 251 bdisposed on an inner surface of the mobile terminal as shown in FIG.10(a), if a call signal is received, information on the call signal isdisplayed on a part of the first inner display region 251 a (e.g., leftupper end). That is, an indicator 1002 indicating reception of the callsignal is output. The indicator 1002 may be information on anotherparty's mobile terminal which has sent a call signal, e.g., anotherparty's name (or another party's phone number).

When an icon indicating occurrence of an event has been displayed on aninner display region of the display, the controller 180 can differentlyexecute a function related to the event, according to a point where atouch input applied to the icon has been released. When the occurredevent is output by sound, vibration, etc., the controller 180 candifferently execute a function related to the occurred event, accordingto a point where a touch input applied to one side of the first innerdisplay region 251 a has been released.

For instance, if a touch is applied to the indicator 1002 displayed onthe first inner display region 251 a of FIG. 10(a), a function torespond to a call signal is performed. As another example, if a draginput (e.g., downward drag input) applied to the indicator 1002 isreleased within the first inner display region 251 a, a function not torespond to (reject) a call signal is performed.

If a drag input toward the side display region 251 d extended to anouter side surface (rear surface in FIG. 10(a)) from the first innerdisplay region 251 a is applied to the indicator 1002, other functionrelated to an occurred event (e.g., a message sending functioncorresponding to a non-response to a call) is performed. That is, if adrag input applied to the indicator 1002 is extended up to the sidedisplay region 251 d to thus be released, a message (e.g. ‘I'll call youback.’) may be sent to another party's mobile terminal which has sent acall signal.

When an icon indicating occurrence of an event has been output to thefirst inner display region 251 a, if an open state of the mobileterminal is changed into a closed state, the controller outputs imageobjects to one of the outer display region 251 c disposed on an outersurface, and the side display region 251 d extended to an outer sidesurface, according to the aforementioned closed type. The image objectmay be a plurality of icons indicating executable functions related toan occurred event.

If a drag input is applied to one of the image objects output to one ofthe outer display region 251 c and the side display region 251 d towarda preset direction, the controller 180 can perform other functionrelated to the event in correspondence to the selected image object. Forinstance, if a touch input has not been applied to the first innerdisplay region 251 a and the first inner display region 251 a and thesecond inner display region 251 b have been simultaneously folded toconvert an open state of the mobile terminal into a closed state, areceived call signal is rejected.

In addition, items 1003 a, 1003 b, 1003 c and 1003 d of messages whichcan be sent to another party's mobile terminal are displayed on FIG.10(c). If a touch input applied to a specific item 1003 b is draggedtoward a preset direction (e.g., right direction), a correspondingmessage (e.g., ‘I cannot call now.’) is sent to another party's mobileterminal. While the message is being sent, a message content 1004corresponding to the selected item 1003 b is displayed on the sidedisplay region 251 d as shown in FIG. 10(d). If the closed state of themobile terminal is converted into an open state after the messagetransmission, the moving image play screen 1001 which has been stoppedis output to the first inner display region 251 a and the second innerdisplay region 251 b, or a temporarily-paused scene is output.

When a user views the moving image play screen 1001 without havingresponded to a received call signal, i.e., if an open state of themobile terminal is converted into a closed state after the indicator1002 indicating a call signal has disappeared, an icon indicating amissed call may be displayed on a display region corresponding to aclosed type, i.e., the outer display region 251 c or the side displayregion 251 d.

FIGS. 11(a) to 13B(b) are conceptual views illustrating a method ofoutputting information, based on an external three or a touch inputapplied to an outer surface display, when a closed state of the mobileterminal has been maintained. As aforementioned, when information on ascreen which has been output in an open state has been displayed on anouter display or an outer display region in a closed state, if a touchinput is not applied to the region where the information has beendisplayed, for a preset time, the information is not displayed anylonger (disappears). That is, the outer display and the outer displayregion are converted into a deactivated state.

In this state, the controller 180 can sense an opening event occurred inthe mobile terminal. The opening event means that an external force forreleasing a closed state of the mobile terminal has been applied to themobile terminal. The opening event may be sensed through a magnetismchange of magnets facing each other on regions of the first and secondinner display regions 251 a and 251 b, or facing each other on regionsof frames or covers, while an open state of the mobile terminal isconverted into a closed state, or while a closed state is converted intoan open state. Alternatively, the opening event may be sensed byrecognizing a moving distance of a hinge portion.

For this, the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the presentinvention may be provided with a plurality of magnets facing each otheron regions of the first and second inner display regions 251 a and 251b, or facing each other on regions of frames or covers. The sensing unit140 may sense a magnetism change of the magnets through a predeterminedsensor, the magnets moving in accordance with movement of the first andsecond inner display regions or the frames or covers.

In another embodiment, upon detection of a sound occurring when themagnets are separated from each other (i.e, clicking sound) as well assuch change of magnetism, the controller 180 can determine that theaforementioned opening event has occurred. For instance, if a magnetismchange of the magnets is sensed in a closed state by the sensing unit140, the controller 180 can determine that an opening event hasoccurred. In this instance, the controller 180 can activate one of anouter display region 251 c disposed on an outer surface, and a sidedisplay region 251 d extended to an outer side surface, based on an opentype corresponding to the opening event.

The open type corresponding to the opening event may include a firstopen type to simultaneously open a first inner display region 251 a anda second inner display region 251 b by holding part of frames of thefirst inner display region 251 a and the second inner display region 251b, when the side display region 251 d has been exposed to an upper side;a second open type to unfold the first inner display region 2514 like abook by holding part of the frame of the first inner display region 251a, when the outer display region 251 c has been exposed to an upperside; and a third open type to unfold the second inner display region251 b like a book by holding part of the frame of the second innerdisplay region 251 b, when none of the first and second inner displayregions, the outer display region and the side display region has beenexposed to an upper side. The open type may be determined by combiningat least one of a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an accelerationsensor, etc., by the sensing unit 140.

If the open type corresponds to the first open type, the fourth regionis activated. If the open type corresponds to the second open type, thethird region is activated. If the open type corresponds to the thirdopen type, the fourth region is activated or no display is activated. Inaddition, the first and second inner display regions or at least part ofthe frames or covers corresponding to the first and second inner displayregions may be formed of a flexible material which can be bent by auser's external force input so as to release the closed state. Onceedges of the first and second inner display regions or the frames orcovers corresponding to the first and second inner display regions arebent by an external force, magnetism changes of the magnets may besequentially generated according to corresponding positions.

If occurrence of an opening event is sensed in a closed state, thecontroller 160 can convert one of the outer display region 251 c and theside display region 251 d into an activated state. Then the controller180 can display other information related to a screen which has beenoutput in an open state. More specifically, if an opening event occursin a closed state (i.e., a first state where the second inner displayregion 251 b is covered by the first inner display region 251 a), thecontroller displays said other information on the outer display region251 c. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 11(b) and (c), if an openingevent occurs in a closed state, a moving image play screen 1101 whichhas been output on the first and second inner display regions 251 a and251 b in an open state (refer to FIG. 11(a)) is output to the outerdisplay (i.e., the outer display region 251 c). More specifically,notification information 1102 indicating a title corresponding to themoving image play screen 1101, a played degree, a remaining play time,etc., an icon 1103 a for viewing the paused moving image play screen1101 from the beginning, and an icon 1103 b for sequentially viewing thepaused moving image play screen 1101 from the paused part, may bedisplayed on the outer display region 251 c.

More specifically, if an open state of the mobile terminal is convertedinto a closed state according to the aforementioned folding event, andif the closed state is re-converted into the open state when a touchinput has been applied to an information-displayed region, thecontroller re-outputs an execution screen which has been output to atleast one of the first region and the second region. Then the controller180 can control the re-output execution screen to be changed inaccordance with a function corresponding to a touch input.

For instance, if a closed state of the mobile terminal is converted intoan open state when a touch input has been applied to thesequential-viewing icon 1103 b, or if an opening event occurs within apredetermined time (e.g., within several seconds) after the touch input,a function, to sequentially view the moving image play screen 1101 froma part paused when a folding event has occurred, is executed on thefirst inner display region 251 a and the second inner display region 251b.

If a considerable time (e.g., more than several hours, or more than oneday) has lapsed, or if an open state has been convened into a closedstate during a multi-tasking, icons of applications corresponding to themulti-tasking or icons of applications registered to ‘favorites'’ may bedisplayed on a display region corresponding to an open type of themobile terminal.

For instance, as shown in FIG. 12A(a), if an opening event occurs in aclosed state where the first inner display region 251 a and the secondinner display region 251 b face each other and the side display region251 d is exposed to an upper side, icons 1201 of applicationscorresponding to a multi-tasking which has been executed in an openstate may be displayed on the side display region 251 d in a verticaldirection.

If an opening event occurs when a touch input (e.g., long touch input)has been applied to one 1201 c of the icons 1201, or within apredetermined time (e.g., within several seconds) after the touch input,the mobile terminal is converted into an open state. Then an executionscreen corresponding to the touched icon 1201 c (i.e., a chat window1202 which was being executed while a folding event occurs in the mobileterminal) is re-displayed on at least one of the first and second innerdisplay regions 251 a and 251 b.

If the mobile terminal is converted into an open state when none of theicons 1201 has been selected, an idle screen 2103 or a recently-outputexecution screen may be displayed on at least one of the first andsecond inner display regions 251 a and 251 b, as shown in FIG. 12A(b″).

In another embodiment, a user's non-desired one of the icons 1201 may beselected in order to prevent other execution screen from being output tothe first and second inner display regions 251 a and 251 b. Morespecifically, if an opening event occurs when a touch input applied tothe side display region 251 d has been maintained, the controller doesnot display the icons 1201 on the side display region 251 d withignoring the touch. In this state, the mobile terminal may be convertedinto an open state. For intentional selection of one of the icons 1201,a user may apply a touch input to the side display region 251 d, andthen may perform a touch-up operation so that the icons 1201 can bedisplayed on the side display region 251 d.

When the outer display region 251 c or the side display region 251 d isconverted into an activated state and predetermined information has beendisplayed thereon as an opening event has occurred at the mobileterminal, the controller controls the information to be displayed baseda point where a touch corresponding to the opening event has beenapplied. For instance, as shown in FIG. 12B(a), if an opening eventoccurs as a user unfolds the first inner display region 251 a like abook with holding part of a frame of the first inner display region 251a, in a closed state where the outer display region 251 c has beenexposed to an upper side, icons 1201 of applications which have beenfrequently-used recently are displayed on part of the outer displayregion 251 c, the part where a touch corresponding to the opening eventhas been applied. That is, the icons 1201″ are displayed on part of theouter display region 251 c (refer to FIG. 12B(a)) where an initial touchinput has been applied in order to open the mobile terminal.

If a preset type of touch input (e.g., a long touch input, a swipe, adrag input extended up to the side display region 251 d, or one or moretouch inputs (e.g., ‘TOCK-TOCK’ or ‘KNOCK KNOCK’ to be explained later)subsequent to an initial touch input applied to open the mobileterminal) is applied to one of the displayed icons 1201″, an executionscreen of the selected icon is displayed as shown in FIG. 12B(c).

Further, if a user unfolds the mobile terminal without selecting any ofthe displayed icons 1201″, an idle screen 2103 or a recent executionscreen is displayed on at least one of the first and second innerdisplay regions 251 a and 251 b.

Each of the outer display region 251 c and the side display region 251.dincludes a touch sensor, and is activated as a touch input is appliedthereto. In the present invention, if a touch input is applied to atleast one of the outer display region 251 c and the side display region251 d in a closed state, the corresponding region may be converted intoan activated state. Then icons of applications which have beenfrequently used recently may be displayed on the corresponding region.

Icons 1301 of FIG. 13A(b), which are implemented when an opening eventoccurs as a user unfolds the first inner display region 251 a like abook with holding part of a frame of the first inner display region 251a, in a closed state where the outer display region 251 c has beenexposed to an upper side, are displayed based on part where an initialtouch input has been applied in order to open the mobile terminal.Likewise, icons 1301″ of FIG. 13B(b), which are implemented when anopening event occurs as a user unfolds the first inner display region251 a and the second inner display region 251 b like a book with holdingparts of frames of the first inner display region 251 a and the secondinner display region 251 b, in a closed state where the side displayregion 251 d has been exposed to an upper side, are displayed based onpart where an initial touch input has been applied in order to open themobile terminal if a ‘TOCK-TOCK’touch input or a consecutive touch inputis applied after an initial touch input, the icons 1301 or the icons1301″ may be displayed on a front surface of the outer display region251 c or the side display region 251 d, in a widely-distributed manner.

If an open state of the mobile terminal is converted into a closed stateimmediately or after a predetermined time has lapsed, the controller 180can convert the mobile terminal into a locked state according to apre-setting, i.e, when input of a control command with respect to anapplication is blocked. In this state, if a closed state of the mobileterminal is re-converted into an open state, a user should input apattern for releasing the locked state.

FIGS. 14A(a) to 17B(c) are views illustrating embodiments to release alocked state using an outer display or an outer display region, beforethe mobile terminal is converted into an open state. The locked state ofthe mobile terminal means when reception of a user's control command isblocked. If a preset password is input by a specific person, the lockedstate is converted into a released state. Under such locked state, ifthe display unit 151 has been activated, a lock screen for inputting apreset password is displayed.

FIGS. 14A(a) to 14A(c) are views illustrating embodiments to release alocked state by applying a plurality of touch inputs having a presetpattern, to the display unit. FIGS. 15A and 15B are views illustratingoperation modes of a touch sensor for reducing power consumption.

FIGS. 14A(a) to 14A(c) and 14B(a) to 14B(c) are views illustrating amethod of generating an opening event by applying an external force sothat a first inner display region 251 a and a second inner displayregion 251 b can be widened from each other, when a side display region251 d has been exposed to an upper side. Further, FIGS. 14A(a) to 14A(c)and 14B(a) to 14B(c) illustrate a method of releasing a locked statebefore the mobile terminal is converted into an open state by applying aplurality of taps to the side display region 251 d.

The controller 180 can sense a plurality of touch inputs applied to thefourth region which is in a deactivated state, in a closed state wherethe first region and the second region face each other and the fourthregion is exposed to an upper side.

In this instance, virtual regions for a plurality of touch inputs aredisplayed on the side display region 251 d, and the virtual regions aregenerated based on a point on the fourth region where an initial touchinput for a plurality of touch inputs has been applied. The virtualregions may be generated in the form of a bar long in a horizontaldirection, or a bar long in a vertical direction.

For instance, as shown in FIG. 14A(a), if an initial touch input foropening the mobile terminal is applied to a lower side of the sidedisplay region 251 d, virtual regions 1, 2, 3 and 4 are long-formed in avertical direction, based on a lower end of the side display region 251d. As shown in FIG. 14A(b), if an initial touch input for opening themobile terminal is applied to an upper side of the side display region251 d, virtual regions 1, 2, 3 and 4 are long-formed in a verticaldirection, based on an upper end of the side display region 251 d. Undersuch configuration, a user can easily apply a plurality of touch inputsto the virtual regions using a single hand, without changing his or hercurrent posture.

In addition, if an initial touch input for opening the mobile terminalis applied to the side display region 251 d when the side display region251 d is exposed to an upper side in a horizontally long-arranged state,the virtual regions may be long-formed in a horizontal direction.

Alternatively, an entire area of the side display region 251 d, whichincludes an initial touch input for opening the mobile terminal, may bedivided into a plurality of regions (e.g., regions on a quadrant). Stillalternatively, a partial area of the side display region 251 d, adjacentto an initial touch input for opening the mobile terminal, may bedivided into a plurality of regions (e.g., regions on a quadrant).

In a deactivated state of the display unit 151, a touch sensor of themobile terminal may become periodically activated. The deactivated stateof the display unit 151 means an ‘off’ state of an illumination providedin the mobile terminal. That is, in a deactivated state of the displayunit 151, neither information nor graphic image is output to the displayunit 151. Further, an activated state of the display unit 151 means an‘on’ state of an illumination provided in the mobile terminal so as toilluminate the display unit 151. That is, in an activated state of thedisplay unit 151, neither information nor graphic image is output to thedisplay unit 151.

Screen information on an execution screen, an idle screen or a lockscreen corresponding to one or more functions may be output to thedisplay unit 151, or spontaneous light-emission of a cell may beperformed together with an illumination provided in the mobile terminal.

The touch sensor provided at the display unit 151 may be configured tosense taps in an activated state and a deactivated state, usingdifferent methods. The different methods may be associated with anactivation period of the touch sensor. More specifically, the touchsensor may be activated with a different period according to anactivated state or a deactivated state of the display unit 151. That is,the touch sensor may sense taps applied thereon, with a differentactivation period, according to an activated state or a deactivatedstate of the display unit 151.

For instance, in a deactivated state of the display unit 151, the touchsensor may be activated with a preset period. In this instance, thepreset period may be a time period more than 0. Further, in an activatedstate of the display unit 151, the touch sensor may be always operatedin an activated state. In this instance, an activation period of thetouch sensor may be ‘0’ or a value very close to ‘0’.

Referring to FIG. 15A, whether the touch sensor is in an activated stateor a deactivated state may be determined based on a power consumptionamount of the touch sensor. For instance, if a power consumption amountof the touch sensor is equal to or less than a preset value based on‘0’, it may be determined that the touch sensor is in a deactivatedstate. Further, if a power consumption amount of the touch sensorexceeds the preset value based on ‘0’, it may be determined that thetouch sensor is in an activated state.

Referring to FIG. 15A, if the display unit 151 is in an activated state(hereinafter, will be referred to as an active mode), the touch sensormay wait for input of taps onto the display unit 151, while maintainingan activated state. Further, if the display unit 151 is in a deactivatedstate (hereinafter, will be referred to as a doze mode), the touchsensor may be activated at preset periods.

When the preset period of the touch sensor is shorter, a sensing speedwith respect to taps applied onto the display unit 151 is higher.However, in this instance, a power consumption amount of the touchsensor may be increased. Further, when the preset period of the touchsensor is longer, a sensing speed with respect to taps applied onto thedisplay unit 151 may be lower, while a power consumption amount of thetouch sensor is decreased.

Thus, the preset period may be set so that a sensing speed with respectto taps applied onto the display unit 151 is high enough not, to berecognized by a user, and so that power consumption can be reduced. Forinstance, the preset period may be set so that the touch sensor in adeactivated state can be activated about 20 times (1 Hz) per second.

While the display unit 151 is in an activated state, the touch sensormay be also in an activated state. In an activated state, the touchsensor may have an activation period (T) of ‘0’ or a value very close to‘0’. Alternatively, in an activated state, the touch sensor may have anactivation period (T) much shorter than that set in a deactivated stateof the display unit 151, by several times. That is, the touch sensor maybe activated with a different period, according to whether the displayunit 151 is in an activated state or a deactivated state.

Referring to FIG. 15A, in a doze mode where the display unit 151 is in adeactivated state and the touch sensor is periodically activated, if a‘TOCK-TOCK’ touch input is sensed by the touch sensor, the controller180 can convert the doze mode into an activate mode where the displayunit and the touch sensor are activated.

In the mobile terminal 200 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, since a ‘TOCK-TOCK’ touch input is sensed by the touchsensor, taps applied to the display unit 151 can be precisely sensed.Further, in the mobile terminal 200 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, since the touch sensor is periodically activated,power efficiency in usage can be enhanced.

FIG. 15B is a view illustrating operation modes of the display unit andthe touch sensor, in the mobile terminal 200 according to an embodimentof the present invention. Referring to FIG. 15B, the operation modes ofthe mobile terminal 200 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention may include an activate mode 1510, a doze mode 1520 and asleep mode 1530, according to an operation state of the display unit 151and the touch sensor.

The active mode 1510 means an activated state of both the display unit151 and the touch sensor. That is, the active mode 1510 may mean when anillumination of the display unit 151 is turned on, the touch sensor isactivated so that a user's input to icons or graphic objects output tothe display unit 151 can be applied, and power is consecutivelyconsumed.

The sleep mode 1530 means a deactivated state of both the display unit151 and the touch sensor. That is, the sleep mode 1530 may mean when anillumination of the display unit 151 is turned off, and no function isexecutable even if a touch is applied to the display unit 151.

The doze mode 1520 may mean when the touch sensor is periodicallyactivated in a deactivated state of the display unit 151. The doze mode1520 may be when a ‘TOCK-TOCK’ or ‘KNOCK-KNOCK’ touch input can beapplied in a deactivated state of the display unit 151.

The touch sensor may sense taps applied to the display unit 151 in thedoze mode 1520 and the active mode 1510, in different manners. Further,settings related to an operation of the touch sensor may be differentlyimplemented in the doze mode 1520 and the active mode 1510.

For instance, a threshold value for recognizing a tap may be differentlyset. A sensitivity of the touch sensor to a touch input may be higher inthe active mode 1510 than in the doze mode 1520. The reason is becausethe doze mode is a mode for sensing a ‘TOCK-TOCK’ touch input whilereducing power consumption, and the active mode is a mode for preciselysensing a user's input.

The controller 180 can convert the active mode 1510 into the sleep mode1530 or the doze mode 1520, according to a setting or a condition of themobile terminal. That is, the doze mode 1520 may be executed instead, ofthe sleep mode 1530, or the sleep mode 1530 may be executed instead ofthe doze mode 1520. For instance, when the touch sensor has been set torecognize a ‘TOCK-TOCK’ touch input, the doze mode 1520 may be executed.Further, when the touch sensor has been set not to recognize a‘TOCK-TOCK’ touch input, the sleep mode. 1530 may be executed. Suchsettings may be changed by a user.

The terminal body may be provided with a button (e.g., a home button ora power button) for switching the active mode 1510 and the sleep mode1530 to each other, or switching the active mode 1510 and the doze mode1520 to each other. Once the button is pressed by a user, the controller180 can change an operation state of the mobile terminal.

When an event such as a call reception or a message reception occurs inthe sleep mode 1530 or the doze mode 1520, the controller 180 canexecute the active mode 1510. On the contrary, a user's input has notbeen applied for a preset time in the active mode 1510, the controller180 can execute the sleep mode 1530 or the doze mode 1520.

If a plurality of touch inputs are sensed based on an initialtouch-applied point on the side display region 251 d which is in adeactivated state, the controller 180 can determine whether theplurality of touch inputs match a preset pattern. Then the controller180 can convert a locked state of the mobile terminal into a releasedstate, according to a determination result. The plurality of touchinputs may mean touch inputs sequentially applied to at least one regionin a preset order. The at least one region corresponds to the presetpattern, among virtual regions generated based on an initialtouch-applied point. Alternatively, the plurality of touch inputs maymean touch inputs sequentially applied to at least one region in apreset order. The at least one region corresponds to the preset pattern,among virtual regions including an initial touch-applied point.

More specifically, the controller analyzes a motion pattern formed bysequentially connecting a plurality of sensed touch points to eachother. Then the controller determines whether the analyzed motionpattern corresponds to one of a plurality of release commands preset torelease a locked state. The controller 180 can ignore a touch inputcorresponding to an opening event, among a plurality of touch inputsapplied to the side display region 251 d.

That is, among touch inputs applied to generated virtual regions, atouch input applied to open the mobile terminal is not a release commandfor releasing a locked state. Thus, the controller generates a controlcommand for cancelling the touch input. For instance, as shown in FIG.14A(b), when touch inputs are applied to generated virtual regions inorder of ‘3→4→1→2’ and then a user opens the mobile terminal whilemainlining a touch input applied to the second region ‘2’, thecontroller 180 can ignore the touch input applied to the second region‘2’. Alternatively, the controller 180 can ignore a touch input whichwas sensed before occurrence of an opening event and which has beenmaintained for the opening event.

If a plurality of touch inputs match a preset pattern, a locked state ofthe mobile terminal is converted into a released state. Under thisstate, if the mobile terminal is converted into an open state, thecontroller displays a screen corresponding to the released state (e.g.,a home screen page as shown in 14A(c)), or a recently-executed screen,on at least one of the first and second inner display regions 251 a and251 b.

If a plurality of touch inputs applied to virtual regions do not match apreset pattern, a locked state of the mobile terminal is maintained. Inthis instance, icons of applications executable in the locked state maybe displayed on the side display region 251 d. Under this state, if themobile terminal is converted into an open state, the controller 180 candisplay a lock screen corresponding to the locked state, or an executionscreen of applications corresponding to icons selected from iconsdisplayed on the side display region 251 d, on at least one of the firstand second inner display regions 251 a and 251 b.

In another embodiment, in a closed state where the second inner displayregion 251 b has been covered by the first inner display region 251 aand the outer display region 251 c has been exposed to an upper side,the controller 180 can sense a plurality of touch inputs applied to theouter display region 251 c.

In this instance, virtual regions for a plurality of touch inputs aredisplayed on the outer display region 251 c, and the virtual regions aregenerated based on an initial touch-applied point on the outer displayregion 251 c. The virtual regions may be implemented so that a quadrantcan be generated regardless of an arranged state of the mobile terminal.

For instance, as shown in FIG. 14C(a), when an initial touch for openingthe mobile terminal has been applied to a lower side of the outerdisplay region 251 c, virtual regions 1, 2, 3 and 4 on a quadrant aregenerated in a horizontal direction-preferred manner, based on a lowerend of the outer display region 251 c. As shown in FIG. 14D(a), when aninitial touch for opening the mobile terminal has been applied to anupper side of the outer display region 251 c, virtual regions 1, 2, 3and 4 on a quadrant are generated in a horizontal direction-preferredmanner, based on an upper end of the outer display region 251 c.

Such generation principle is equally applied to a case where an initialtouch for opening the mobile terminal has been applied to a left side ora right side of the outer display region 251 c. In addition, when aninitial touch for opening the mobile terminal has been applied to theouter display region 251 c, when the side display region 251 d is on abottom surface, the virtual regions 1, 2, 3 and 4 may be long-formed ina horizontal direction. Under such configuration, a user can easilyapply a plurality of touch inputs to the virtual regions using a singlehand, without changing his or her current posture.

In another embodiment, the controller 180 can divide an entire area ofthe side display region 251 d, which includes an initial touch input foropening the mobile terminal, into a plurality of regions (e.g., regionson a quadrant). Alternatively, the controller 180 can divide a partialarea of the side display region 251 d, adjacent to an initial touchinput for opening the mobile terminal, into a plurality of regions(e.g., regions on a quadrant). Then the controller 180 can recognize aplurality of touch inputs including an initial touch input and appliedonto the divided regions, or may recognize a plurality of touch inputsexcluding an initial touch input and subsequently applied onto thedivided regions.

In a deactivated state of the display unit 151, the touch sensor of themobile terminal may become periodically activated. The deactivated stateof the display unit 151 means an ‘off’ state of an illumination providedin the mobile terminal. That is, in a deactivated state of the displayunit 151, neither information nor graphic image is output to the displayunit 151. Further, an activated state of the display unit 151 means an‘on’ state of an illumination provided in the mobile terminal so as toilluminate the display unit 151. That is, in an activated state of thedisplay unit 151, neither information nor graphic image is output to thedisplay unit 151. Screen information on an execution screen, an idlescreen or a lock screen corresponding to one or more functions may beoutput to the display unit 151.

The touch sensor provided at the display unit 151 may be configured tosense taps in an activated state and a deactivated state, usingdifferent methods. The different methods may be associated with anactivation period of the touch sensor. More specifically, the touchsensor may be activated with a different period according to anactivated state or a deactivated state of the display unit 151. That is,the touch sensor may sense a tap applied thereon, with a differentactivation period, according to an activated state or a deactivatedstate of the display unit 151.

For instance, in a deactivated state of the display unit 151, the touchsensor may be activated with a preset period. In this instance, thepreset period may be a time period more than 0. Further, in an activatedstate of the display unit 151, the touch sensor may be always operatedin an activated state. In this instance, an activation period of thetouch sensor may be a time period of 0 or very close to 0.

Referring to FIG. 15A, whether the touch sensor is in an activated stateor a deactivated state may be determined based on a power consumptionamount of the touch sensor. For instance, if a power consumption amountof the touch sensor is equal to or less than a preset value based on‘0’, it may be determined, that the touch sensor is in a deactivatedstate. Further, if a power consumption amount of the touch sensorexceeds the preset value based on ‘0’, it may be determined that thetouch sensor is in an activated state.

Referring to FIG. 15A, if the display unit 151 is in an activated state(hereinafter, will be referred to as an active mode), the touch sensormay wait for input of taps onto the display unit 151, while maintainingan activated state. Further, if the display unit 151 is in a deactivatedstate (hereinafter, will be referred to as a doze mode), the touchsensor may be activated at preset periods.

When the preset activation period (an activation period) of the touchsensor is shorter, a sensing speed with respect to taps applied onto thedisplay unit 151 is higher. However, in this instance, a powerconsumption amount of the touch sensor may be increased. Further, whenthe preset activation period of the touch sensor is longer, a sensingspeed with respect to taps applied onto the display unit 151 may belower, while a power consumption amount of the touch sensor isdecreased.

Thus, the preset period may be set so that a sensing speed with respectto taps applied onto the display unit 151 can be high enough not to berecognized by a user, and so that power consumption can be reduced. Forinstance, the preset period may be set so that the touch sensor in adeactivated state can be activated about 20 times (1 Hz) per second.

While the display unit 151 is in an activated state, the touch sensormay be also in an activated state. In an activated state, the touchsensor may have an activation period (T) of ‘0’ or a value very close to‘0’. Alternatively, in an activated state, the touch sensor may have anactivation period (T) much shorter than that set in a deactivated stateof the display unit 151, by several times. That is, the touch sensor maybe activated with a different period, according to whether the displayunit 151 is in an activated state or a deactivated state.

Referring to FIG. 15A, in a doze mode where the display unit 151 is in adeactivated state and the touch sensor is periodically activated, if a‘TOCK-TOCK’ or ‘KNOCK-KNOCK’ touch input is sensed by the touch sensor,the controller 180 can convert the doze mode into an activate mode wherethe display unit and the touch sensor are activated.

In the mobile terminal 200 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, since a ‘TOCK-TOCK’ touch input is sensed by the touchsensor, one or more taps applied to the display unit 151 can beprecisely sensed. Further, in the mobile terminal 200 according to anembodiment of the present invention, since the touch sensor isperiodically activated, power efficiency in usage can be enhanced.

FIG. 15B is a view illustrating operation modes of the display unit andthe touch sensor, in the mobile terminal 200 according to an embodimentof the present invention. Referring to FIG. 15B, the operation modes ofthe mobile terminal 200 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention may include an activate mode 1510, a doze mode 1520 and asleep mode 1530, according to an operation state of the display unit 151and the touch sensor.

The active mode 1510 means an activated state of both the display unit151 and the touch sensor. That is, the active mode 1510 may mean when anillumination of the display unit 151 is turned on, the touch sensor isactivated so that a user's input to icons or graphic objects output tothe display unit 151 can be applied, and power is consecutivelyconsumed.

The sleep mode 1530 means a deactivated state of both the display unit151 and the touch sensor. That is, the sleep mode 1530 may mean when anillumination of the display unit 151 is turned off, and no function isexecutable even if a touch is applied to the display unit 151.

The doze mode 1520 may mean when the touch sensor is periodicallyactivated in a deactivated state of the display unit 151. The doze mode1520 may be when a ‘TOCK-TOCK’ touch input can be applied in adeactivated state of the display unit 151.

The touch sensor may sense taps applied to the display unit 151 in thedoze mode 1520 and the active mode 1510, in different manners. Further,settings related to an operation of the touch sensor may be differentlyimplemented in the doze mode 1520 and the active mode 1510.

For instance, a threshold value for recognizing a tap may be differentlyset. A sensitivity of the touch sensor to a touch input may be higher inthe active mode 1510 than in the doze mode 1520. The reason is becausethe doze mode is a mode for sensing a ‘TOCK-TOCK’ touch input whilereducing power consumption, and the active mode is a mode for preciselysensing a user's input.

The controller 180 can convert the active mode 1510 into the sleep mode1530 or the doze mode 1520, according to a setting or a condition of themobile terminal. That is, the doze mode 1520 may be executed instead ofthe sleep mode 1530, or the sleep mode 1530 may be executed instead ofthe doze mode 1520. For instance, when the touch sensor has been set torecognize a ‘TOCK-TOCK’ or ‘KNOCK-KNOCK’ touch input, the doze mode 1520may be executed. Further, when the touch sensor has been set not torecognize a ‘TOCK-TOCK’ touch input, the sleep mode 1530 may beexecuted. Such settings may be changed by a user.

The terminal body may be provided with a button (e.g., a home button ora power button) for switching the active mode 1510 and the sleep mode1530 to each other, or switching the active mode 1510 and the doze mode1520 to each other. Once the button is pressed by a user, the controller180 can change an operation state of the mobile terminal.

When an event such as a call reception or a message reception occurs inthe sleep mode 1530 or the doze mode 1520, the controller 180 canexecute the active mode 1510. On the contrary, a user's input has notbeen applied for a preset time in the active mode 1510, the controller180 can execute the sleep mode 1530 or the doze mode 1520.

If a plurality of touch inputs are sensed based on an initialtouch-applied point on the outer display region 251 c which is in adeactivated state, the controller 180 can determine whether theplurality of touch inputs match a preset pattern. Then the controller180 can convert a locked state of the mobile terminal into a releasedstate, according to a determination result. The plurality of touchinputs may mean touch inputs sequentially applied to at least one regionin a preset order. The at least one region corresponds to the presetpattern, among virtual regions generated based on an initialtouch-applied point. Alternatively, the plurality of touch inputs maymean touch inputs sequentially applied to at least one region in apreset order. The at least one region corresponds to the preset pattern,among virtual regions including an initial touch-applied point.

More specifically, the controller analyzes a motion pattern formed bysequentially connecting a plurality of sensed touch points to eachother. Then the controller determines whether the analyzed motionpattern corresponds to one of a plurality of release commands preset torelease a locked state. Once a plurality of touch inputs are applied tovirtual regions, the controller 180 can convert the outer display region251 c which is in a deactivated state into an activated state. As aresult, a preset initial screen (e.g., clock screen) may be displayed onpart on the outer display region 251 c (e.g., upper part) as shown inFIG. 14C(b) or 14D(b).

The controller 180 can ignore a touch input corresponding to an openingevent, among a plurality of touch inputs applied to the outer displayregion 251 c. That is, among touch inputs applied to generated virtualregions, a touch input applied to open the mobile terminal is not arelease command for releasing a locked state. Thus, the controllergenerates a control command for cancelling the touch input. Forinstance, as shown in FIG. 14C(a), when touch inputs are applied togenerated virtual regions in order of ‘3→4→1→2’ and then a user opensthe mobile terminal while mainlining a touch input applied to the secondregion ‘2’, the controller 180 can ignore the touch input applied to thesecond region ‘2’. Alternatively, the controller 180 can ignore a touchinput which was sensed before occurrence of an opening event and whichhas been maintained for the opening event.

If a plurality of touch inputs match a preset pattern, a locked state ofthe mobile terminal is converted into a released state. Under thisstate, if the mobile terminal is converted into an open state, thecontroller displays a screen corresponding to the released state (e.g.,a home screen page as shown in FIG. 14C(c) or 14D(c)), or arecently-executed screen, on at least one of the first and second innerdisplay regions 251 a and 251 b.

If a plurality of touch inputs applied to virtual regions do not match apreset pattern, a locked state of the mobile terminal is maintained. Inthis instance, icons of applications executable in the locked state maybe displayed on the outer display region 251 c. Under this state, if themobile terminal is converted into an open state, the controller 180 candisplay a lock screen corresponding to the locked state, or an executionscreen of applications corresponding to icons selected from iconsdisplayed on the outer display region 251 c, on at least one of thefirst and second inner display regions 251 a and 251 b.

In another embodiment, the controller 180 can divide an entire area ofthe outer display region 251 c, which includes an initial touch inputfor opening the mobile terminal, into a plurality of regions (e.g.,regions on a quadrant). Alternatively, the controller 180 can divide apartial area of the outer display region 251 c, adjacent to an initialtouch input for opening the mobile terminal, into a plurality of regions(e.g. regions on a quadrant). Then the controller 180 can recognize aplurality of touch inputs including an initial touch input and appliedonto the divided regions, or may recognize a plurality of touch inputsexcluding an initial touch input and subsequently applied onto thedivided regions.

Once a plurality of touch inputs match a preset pattern, the controller180 can convert a locked state of the mobile terminal into a releasedstate. Then the controller 180 can display icons of an applicationcorresponding to the released state, on a display exposed to an upperside, i.e., the outer display region 251 c or the side display region251 d.

For instance, referring to FIG. 16(a), when a locked state has beenreleased, icons 160 of a plurality of applications corresponding to thereleased state are displayed on the side display region 251 d.Information on the number of received events (e.g., the number ofincoming messages), as well as images indicating correspondingapplications, may be displayed on icons 1601.

In this state, the controller 180 can determine whether an open state ofthe mobile terminal corresponding to an opening event is a first opentype where only the first inner display region 251 a has been unfolded,a second open type where only the second inner display region 251 b hasbeen unfolded, or a third open type where both of the first innerdisplay region 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b have beenunfolded. Such determination may be performed using at least one of agyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc., or byrecognizing a moving distance of a hinge portion.

More specifically, in the second open type where only the second innerdisplay region 251 b has been unfolded while the side display region 251d is exposed to an upper side, the controller 180 can output, to thesecond inner display region 251 b, an execution screen of one ofapplications corresponding to a released state of the mobile terminal.For instance, as shown in FIG. 16(c), an execution screen 1603 of amessage application corresponding to a selected icon 1601 b, i.e., arecently-output dialogue screen (chat screen) or a dialogue screencorresponding to a recent message, is output to the second inner displayregion 251 b. In this instance, a mark indicating a selected state(e.g., shadow effect) displayed on the selected icon 1601 b may bemaintained.

In the first open type where only the first inner display region 251 ahas been unfolded with the side display region 251 d and the first innerdisplay region 251 a inclined toward a bottom surface, the controller180 can output screen information 1602 indicating events generated fromapplications corresponding to a released state of the mobile terminal(e.g., a notification bar shown in FIG. 16(b)), to the first innerdisplay region 251 a.

The notification bar includes details related to an event generated froman application corresponding to the selected icon 1601 b among the icons1601 displayed on the side display region 251 d, e.g., a name of anotherparty who has sent a message, a message arrival time, etc.

In the third open type where both the first inner display region 251 aand the second inner display region 251 b have been unfolded, thecontroller 180 can output screen information indicating the event to oneof the first inner display region 251 a and the second inner displayregion 251 b, and may output an execution screen of one of applicationscorresponding to the released state to another thereof.

FIGS. 17A(a) to 17A(c) and 17B(a) to 17B(c) are views illustrating anembodiment to apply different types of touch inputs to the display unit,or to release a locked state using a fingerprint recognition sensor. Ifa user generates an opening event for opening the mobile terminal withholding (initially touching) the side display region 251 d in a closedstate, a fingerprint recognition sensor of the side display region 251 dmay be activated. In this state, if a consecutive touch (e.g., withinseveral seconds after a first touch has been ended) is applied to theside display region 251 d, or if the first touch is maintained in theactivated state of the fingerprint recognition sensor, a fingerprintrecognition function is executed. In the former case, a fingerprint of afinger corresponding to the consecutive touch is recognized. In thelatter case, a fingerprint of a finger corresponding to the first touchis recognized. Even when the mobile terminal is re-closed before thefingerprint recognition function is completed, the activated state ofthe fingerprint recognition function is maintained for several seconds.That is, the activated state of the fingerprint recognition function ismaintained with considering that the opening event has occurred for thepurpose of activating the fingerprint recognition function, not for thepurpose of opening the mobile terminal.

Referring to FIGS. 17A(a) to 17A(c), if a touch input is applied to theside display region 25 exposed to an upper side in a closed state, theside display region 251 d is activated through the touch sensor, and alock screen for releasing a locked state (e.g., image object 1701indicating release of a locked state in a push manner) is displayed onthe side display region 251 d. If a user swipes the image object 1701toward a preset direction (e, g, pushing toward a direction of anarrow), a locked state is released, and icons 1702 a, 1702 b, 1702 c and1702 d of applications corresponding to the released state aredisplayed. As another example of the lock screen, a pattern inputregion, a password input region, etc. for releasing a locked state maybe output.

If the mobile terminal is converted into an open state, when a touchinput has been applied to one of the displayed icons 1601, an executionscreen of an application corresponding to the touch-applied icon isoutput to at least one of the first and second inner display regions 251a and 251 b. That is, once the mobile terminal is completely unfolded, aselected icon 1703 a and an execution screen of an application (i.e., achat screen 1703) are displayed on the first and second inner displayregions 251 a and 251 b as shown in FIG. 17A(c).

Referring to FIGS. 17B(a) to 17(c), a fingerprint recognition sensor maybe provided at the outer display region 251 c and/or the side displayregion 251 d of the display unit. The fingerprint recognition sensor isconfigured to perform authentication using a fingerprint indicating auser's own characteristic. A locked state may be released using suchfingerprint recognition sensor. For authentication of a user, featureinformation on a fingerprint is extracted through a touch input, andthen the feature information is compared and matched with featureinformation pre-registered in the mobile terminal.

When a user is about to unfold the mobile terminal with holding the sidedisplay region 251 d in a closed state, the controller converts the sidedisplay region 251 d into an activated state. If a magnetism changecorresponding to an opening event is sensed, or if a moving distance ofa hinge portion is recognized, the fingerprint recognition sensor of theside display region 251 d is activated. More specifically, if an openingevent occurs in the second closed state where the first region and thesecond region face each other and the fourth region is exposed to anupper side, the controller performs a user authentication by activatingthe fingerprint recognition sensor of the fourth region.

Then, the controller converts the locked state of the mobile terminalinto a released state, based on a result of the user authentication. Forinstance, if a user is determined as an authorized person as a result ofthe user authentication, a home screen page 1705 which is in a releasedstate is output to the first and second inner display regions 251 a and251 b of the unfolded mobile terminal as shown in FIG. 17B(c). Asanother example, if a user is determined as a non-authorized person as aresult of the user authentication, a lock screen corresponding to alocked state, or icons of applications executable in a locked state maybe output to the first and second inner display regions 251 a and 251 bof the unfolded mobile terminal. In this instance, a notificationmessage such as ‘You are not an authorized person’ or ‘The mobileterminal is in a locked state due to failure of authentication’ may bedisplayed on the side display region 251 d (outer display region) or thefirst and second inner display regions 251 a and 251 b. Alternatively, acorresponding voice guidance may be output.

When a user is about to unfold the mobile terminal with holding a frameof the first inner display region 251 a, in the first closed state wherethe first inner display region 251 a is folded to cover the second innerdisplay region 251 b and the outer display region 251 c is exposed to anupper side, the controller 180 can activate the outer display region 251c according to a touch input, and may perform user authentication byactivating the fingerprint recognition sensor of the outer displayregion 251 c. The controller 180 can convert a locked state of themobile terminal into a released state, based on a fingerprintrecognition result on the outer display region 251 c.

If an opening event occurs in a closed state, information which has beendisplayed on the third region or the fourth region may be changed intoother information while the closed state is converted into an openstate. That is, the controller 180 can control different information tobe displayed on the third region or the fourth region, according to anopen degree corresponding to an opening event.

More specifically, if the mobile terminal is open with an angle lessthan a preset value after an opening event has occurred, the controller180 can display first information on the third region or the fourthregion. Further, if the mobile terminal is open with an angle more thanthe preset value even if the mobile terminal has not been converted intoan open state, the controller 180 can change the first informationdisplayed on the third region or the fourth region, into secondinformation. The second information disappears when the mobile terminalis converted into an open state, and the first and second inner displayregions are converted into an activated state.

FIGS. 18(a) to 18(c) and 19(a) to 19(c) are conceptual viewsillustrating a method of controlling output of first and second innerdisplay regions using an outer display in a closed state. As shown inFIGS. 18(a) to 18(c), if a side display region 251 d is activated in asecond closed state where the side display region 251 d is exposed to anupper side and a first inner display region 251 a and a second innerdisplay region 251 b face each other, icons 1801 a, 1801 b and 1801 c ofapplications which were being executed on the first and second innerdisplay regions 251 a and 251 b are displayed on the side display region251.d. When a touch input applied to one 1801 b of the icons 1801 a,1801 b and 1801 c has been maintained, if an angle between the firstinner display region 251 a and the second inner display region 251 bbecomes a reference value (‘θ’) or more than, additional information onan application corresponding to the selected icon 1801 b, i.e., an image1802 of selectable web pages are displayed.

The image 1802 may be displayed such that a small page number isdisplayed at an upper side whereas a large page number is displayed at alower side. A user may select a desired web page number by up-downmoving a touch input applied to the image 1802. For instance, if themobile terminal is completely unfolded when a touch input has beenapplied to an image 1802 a indicating a page No. 17, a screen 1803showing a page No. 17 of a web page corresponding to a selected icon1801 b is displayed on one of the first and second inner display regions251 a and 251 b.

As another example of additional information on an applicationcorresponding to the selected icon 1801 b, there may be selectablesorted items such as dialogue screens of a message application, andfolders of a gallery application.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 19(a) to 19(c), if a touchevent is detected from the outer display region 251 c in a first closedstate where the outer display region 251 c is exposed to an upper sideand the second inner display region 251 b is covered by the first innerdisplay region 251 a, the controller performs a user authentication byactivating a fingerprint recognition sensor. And the controller convertsa locked state of the mobile terminal into a released state based on aresult of the user authentication. Then the controller displays icons1901 of executable applications corresponding to the released state, onthe outer display region 251 c.

Under this state, if the first closed state is converted into a secondclosed state where the side display region 251 d is exposed to an upperside and the first inner display region 251 a and the second innerdisplay region 251 b face each other, the controller displaysinformation on the execution screen on the outer display region 251 c.When the outer display region 251 c is unfolded by a predeterminedangle, the controller generates a scroll bar on the side display region251 d, the scroll bar for up-down moving information output to the outerdisplay region 251 c.

For instance, as shown in FIG. 19(b), if the outer display region 251 cis unfolded so as to rotate counterclockwise and an angle between thefirst inner display region 251 a and the second inner display region 251b is less than a reference value (‘θ’), a scroll bar for up-down movingicons displayed on the outer display region 251 c is displayed on theside display region 251 d. A user can up-down move information output tothe outer display region 251 c by up-down moving the scroll bar.

If the mobile terminal is completely unfolded as a user selects the iconoutput to the outer display region 251 c using the scroll bar displayedon the side display region 251 d, an execution screen of an applicationcorresponding to the selected icon, i.e., a chat (message dialogue)screen 1902 is re-output to at least one of the first inner displayregion 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b.

As shown in FIG. 19(c), when both the outer display region 251 c and theside display region 251 d have been output in an open state, thedisplayed state of the icons on the outer display region 251 c may bemaintained, and the scroll bar which has been displayed on the sidedisplay region 251 d may disappear so that the third region 251 c can bedistinguished from the first and second inner display regions 251 a and251 b. Alternatively, the screen output to the first and second innerdisplay regions 251 a and 251 b may be extended up to the side displayregion 251 d.

In addition, if the unfolded outer display region 251 c is re-folded tothe original state, when the scroll bar has been displayed on the sidedisplay region 251 d, other information (e.g., icons which have beenoutput to the outer display region 251 c) may be displayed on the sidedisplay region 251 d.

FIGS. 20A(a) to 20C(e) are conceptual views illustrating a method ofprocessing an event generated in a closed state of the mobile terminal,using an outer display region. As aforementioned, if a touch input isnot applied to images displayed on the outer display region 251 c or theside display region 251 d for a preset time, after the mobile terminalhas been converted into a closed state from an open state, the displayedimages disappear.

In the closed state, the controller 180 can sense occurrence of an eventfrom at least one application. The event may be a missed call, anapplication to be updated, an incoming message, charging the mobileterminal, turning on the mobile terminal, turning off the mobileterminal, an LCD awake key, an alarm, an incoming call, a missednotification, etc. As another example, when specific information isreceived through the wireless communication unit of the mobile terminal,it may be determined that an event has occurred from an applicationrelated to the specific information.

As still another example, when a user's input item is included in aschedule management, it may be determined that an event has occurredfrom a schedule management application when the current date correspondsto the input item. For instance, when a message is received in a closedstate where the outer display region 251 c is exposed to an upper sideas shown in FIG. 20A, a message notification icon 2001 indicating amessage arrival is displayed on part (e.g, upper part) of the outerdisplay region 251 c.

Once the notification icon indicating occurrence of an event isdisplayed on the outer display region 251 c or the side display region251 d, the controller controls a different function so as to beperformed according to a drag direction of a touch input applied to thenotification icon. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 20A(b), if atouch input applied to the notification icon 2001 has been extended upto the side display region 251 d and then is released from the sidedisplay region 251 d, a received message is stored.

A notification 2002, indicating that a message having a storage functioncan be immediately viewed when the mobile terminal is unfolded, isdisplayed on the outer display region 251 c. If the message having astorage function is plural in number, events may be displayed inoccurrence order, or an event related to screen information the mostrecently-output to the first and second inner display regions may bedisplayed with a highest order. Alternatively, if the message having astorage function is plural in number, occurred events may be displayedin a laminated manner, or in the form of a chrome tap.

In this state, if the mobile terminal is converted into an open state, adialogue screen 2003 for a message having a storage function isimmediately displayed on at least one of the first and second innerdisplay regions 251 a and 251 b. A message 2003 a having a storagefunction is displayed so as to be positioned at a central part of thescreen. When executing a storage function with respect to a firstmessage without executing a storage function with respect to a nextmessage, if the mobile terminal is converted into an open state, adialogue screen corresponding to the first message is displayed on atleast one of the first and second inner display regions 251 a and 251 b.Under such configuration, the controller 180 can control an outputoperation so that an event which a user wishes to firstly view later canbe displayed when the mobile terminal is open.

As another example, as shown in FIG. 20B(b), if a preset touch input(e.g., long touch input) is applied to an notification icon 2001 outputto the outer display region 251 c in a closed state, detailed items 2004corresponding to a plurality of events are unfolded within the outerdisplay region 251 c. A user may check detailed items of an event byup-down applying a flicking touch input within the detailed items 2004.

When a specific item 2004 a among the detailed items 2004 has beentouched, if the specific item 2004 a is dragged up to the side displayregion 251 d to thus be released on the side display region 251 d, anevent storage function similar to that of FIG. 20A is executed. As shownin FIGS. 208(c) and (d), an execution screen 2005 is output so that aselected specific item 2005 a (e.g., a specific message when a pluralityof messages have arrived from the same person) can be positioned at acentral part of the first and second inner display regions when themobile terminal is open. The selected specific message 2004 a may beprovided with a mark indicating storage or ‘importance’. Suchconfiguration is differentiated from the event storage function of FIG.20A.

As another example, as shown in FIG. 20C(b), when a touch input appliedto the event notification icon 2001 output to the outer display region251 c in a closed state is extended up to the side display region 251 dto thus be released on the side display region 251 d, a storage functionwith respect to a corresponding event is executed. In this state, if themobile terminal is open, a list of events having a storage function isoutput to the first and second inner display regions 251 a and 251 b, asshown in FIG. 20C(c).

When a touch input applied to the event notification icon 2001 isreleased after having been extended to an opposite direction to the sidedisplay region 251 d (i.e., after having been dragged to a leftdirection out of the outer display region 251 c), it is determined thata user has checked the events. As a result, as shown in FIG. 20C(e″),the event notification icon 2001 displayed on the outer display region251 c disappears.

As another example, if a double tap is applied to the event notificationicon 2001 or the outer display region 251 c when the event notificationicon 2001 has been displayed, all notification icons accumulated up tonow disappear at a time. In this state, if the mobile terminal is open,an execution screen of an application recently-executed regardless of anevent, or a home screen page is output to the first and second innerdisplay regions 251 a and 251 b.

FIGS. 21(a) to 12(b″) are conceptual view illustrating a method ofdifferently executing an operation mode of a camera as one of an openstate and a closed state of the mobile terminal is converted intoanother. For this, a camera 221 may be provided at an upper end of aframe region to which an outer display region 251 c has been output,i.e., a left side rather than the outer display region 251 c (refer toFIG. 2A).

If a camera application is executed in an open state, a first previewscreen corresponding to a first capturing mode is output to at least oneof first and second inner display regions 251 a and 251 b. The firstpreview screen may be an image displayed on a rear surface of the mobileterminal. For instance, as shown in FIG. 21(a), once the camera 221 isdriven, an object image 2101 seen from an opposite side to the innerdisplay regions is output to the first and second inner display regions251 a and 251 b.

As the aforementioned folding event occurs, if the open state isconverted into a first closed state where the first inner display region251 a covers the second inner display region 251 b, the controller 180can convert the first capturing mode which was implemented in the openstate, into a second capturing mode. Thus, as shown in FIG. 21(c), asecond image corresponding to the second capturing mode (i.e., ‘selfcapturing mode’), i.e., an object image 2102 seen from a front surfaceof the outer display region 251 c is output to the outer display region251 c disposed on an outer surface of the mobile terminal.

In addition, an icon corresponding to conversion of a capturing mode,and a capturing start key may be further displayed on the outer displayregion 251 c. In addition, if the mobile terminal is converted into anopen state, after the second capturing mode has been executed, a screencorresponding to an edition mode with respect to the second imagecaptured in the second capturing mode, or a message inquiring whether toperform an edition operation or not, may be output to at least one ofthe first and second inner display regions 251 a and 251 h.

While the camera operates in the first capturing mode or the secondcapturing mode, if the closed state of the mobile terminal is convertedinto when the side display region 251 d is exposed to an upper side andthe first inner display region 251 a and the second inner display region251 b face each other, execution icons 2103 for sharing at least one ofa first captured image and/or a second captured image is displayed onthe side display region 251 d. If one of the execution icons 2103 isselected, a captured image may be sent to another party's mobileterminal or may be uploaded to a cloud server, while the closed state ismaintained. Thus, the captured image can be shared.

FIGS. 22(a) to 22(c) are conceptual views illustrating a method ofmaintaining, in a closed state, a released state of the mobile terminalin an open state. As shown in FIG. 22(a), when a preset pattern is inputto a lock screen 2201 output to an open state, a locked state isconverted into a released state. In this state, the controller 180 cansense that the open state of the mobile terminal has been converted intoa closed state.

If a preset time lapses while the closed state is maintained, thecontroller 180 can re-convert the released state into the locked state.Thus, leakage of personal information stored in the mobile terminaloccurring when a third party opens the mobile terminal, can beprevented. If a touch input applied to the mobile terminal forconversion into a closed state is maintained even in the closed state,the controller 180 can maintain the released state executed in the openstate. For this, as shown in FIG. 22(b), a touch sensor may be alsoprovided at a region 201 rather than the third region.

When a user holds the mobile terminal after a closing operation, if theuser re-opens the mobile terminal as shown in FIG. 22(c), a home screenpage 2202, which is in a released state for rapid operation controls,may be output to the first inner display region 251 a and the secondinner display region 251 b. In this instance, an operation to move atouch point where the touch input has been applied within a preset time(e.g., within one second) (e.g., an operation to perform a touch-upoperation for a short time in order to open the mobile terminal) forconversion into an open state or a closed state, may be ignored.

FIGS. 23A(a) to 23(d) and 23B(a) to 23B(c″) are conceptual viewsillustrating a method of outputting guide information for performing adifferent function according to a folding operation or an unfoldingoperation. As shown in FIG. 23A(a) when a moving image play screen 2301has been output in an open state, if an event (e.g., call signal) occursfrom at least one application, an icon 2302 indicating an incoming calland guide information 2303 for inducing conversion into a closed state(e.g., ‘You can directly call after folding’) in response to theincoming call are output to part of a first region.

If a user moves the mobile terminal toward his or her ear after foldingthe mobile terminal so that the first inner display region 251 a and asecond inner display region 251 b can contact each other, a call signalis immediately directed through a sensor of the sensing unit 140. Inthis instance, play of the moving image play screen 2301 is temporarilypaused. If a call signal is ended in the closed state, guide information2305 for inducing conversion into an open state (e.g., ‘You canimmediately appreciate moving images after unfolding.’) is output to anouter display region 251 c or a side display region 251 d, as shown inFIG. 23A(c). If the mobile terminal is converted into an open state, themoving image play screen 2301 which has been temporarily paused isre-output to the first and second inner display regions 251 a and 251 b(refer to 2301″), and moving images are automatically played or atemporarily-paused scene is continuously output.

As another example, as shown in FIGS. 23B(a) and (b), if a user selectsa rejection icon 2306 a (call disconnection icon) with respect to anincoming call, and then folds the mobile terminal according to guideinformation 2307 for inducing conversion into a closed state, icons 2308for sending rejection messages are displayed on the outer display region251 c. If the mobile terminal maintains an open state, the icons 2308are displayed on the first and second inner display regions 251 a and251 b in the form of message sending icons 2308″.

FIGS. 24(a) and 24(b) are conceptual views illustrating a method oftransmitting an urgent message using an outer surface display. For this,another party's mobile terminal to which an urgent message is to be sentmay be pre-registered through a user input. In a closed state where asecond inner display region 251 b is covered by a first inner displayregion 251 a, if a preset touch line (e.g., alphabet ‘e’) or a gestureis applied to an outer display region 251 c as shown in FIG. 24(b), anurgent message is sent to another pre-registered mobile terminal. Thatis, a user may inform his or her acquaintance of an urgent situation,without opening the mobile terminal. While the urgent message is beingsent, an icon 2401 indicating that the urgent message is being sent maybe displayed on the outer display region 251 c or a side display region251 d.

FIGS. 25(a) to 25(c) are views illustrating an operation to convert aclosed state into an open state. As shown in FIG. 25(a), an openingevent occurs according to a user's gesture to open the mobile terminalwith holding a first inner display region 251 a and a second innerdisplay region 251 b. If an angle between the first inner display region251 a and the second inner display region 251 b becomes equal to orlarger than a reference value (θ″) for performing an automatic openingoperation (e.g., 165°), the first inner display region 251 a and thesecond inner display region 251 b are automatically unfolded in the formof an extended open screen, by receiving an elastic force.

In the open state, if the angle between the first inner display region251 a and the second inner display region 251 b becomes equal to orsmaller than a reference value for performing an automatic closingoperation (e.g., 15°), the mobile terminal is automatically in a closedstate as the first inner display region 251 a and the second innerdisplay region 251 b receive an elastic force.

FIGS. 26A(a) to 27(c) are conceptual views illustrating a method ofexecuting a different function by folding or unfolding the display unit.In this embodiment, an open state of the mobile terminal indicates thatan outer display region 251 c and a side display region 251 d as well asa first inner display region 251 a and a second inner display region 251h have been unfolded (“extended open state”).

Referring to FIG. 26A(a), if the camera operates when all of the firstinner display region 251 a, the second inner display region 251 b, theouter display region 251.c and the side display region 251 d have beenunfolded, a preview screen 2601 is output to an entire region of thedisplay unit 215. In this state, if the mobile terminal is convertedinto a closed state where the second inner display region 251 b coversthe first inner display region 251 a, the preview screen 2601 isautomatically contracted to be displayed on the outer display region 251c and the side display region 251 d as shown in FIG. 26A(c) (‘screencontraction function’).

As another example, referring to FIG. 26B(a), when a call signal isreceived when a moving image display screen 2602 has been output to anentire region of the display unit. 215, if the outer display region 251c and the side display region 251 d are folded to a preset direction(rear direction or clockwise direction), the received call is connectedand the moving image display screen 2602 is temporarily paused (‘playpausing function’). In this instance, an image 2603 viewed through arear of the mobile terminal as shown in FIG. 26B(b) may be sent toanother party's mobile terminal. If the folded outer display region 251c and side display region 251 d are unfolded after the call is ended,the temporarily-paused play screen 2602 is replayed as shown in FIG.26B(c) (‘replay execution function’).

As still another example, referring to FIG. 27, when a notification icon2701 indicating a missed call has been displayed on the outer displayregion 251 c and a touch is applied to a call-back button 2702, thenotification icon 2701 displayed on the outer display region 251 cdisappears. Then if the mobile terminal is unfolded for an open state, ascreen 2703 for informing a first missed call and performing a call isdisplayed on the first and second inner display regions as shown in FIG.27(c) (‘event check function’).

FIGS. 28(a) to 28(c) are conceptual views illustrating a method ofindicating a foldable or unfoldable range of the display unit. As shownin FIGS. 28(a) to 28(c), the display unit 251 is configured to befoldable or =foldable within a predetermined range toward a presetdirection, between a first inner display region 251 a and a second innerdisplay region 251 b, between an outer display region 251 c and a sidedisplay region 251 d, and between the first inner display region 251 aand the side display region 251 d. That is, a foldable angle anddirection of the display unit 251 may be preset according tocharacteristics of the flexible display.

In this instance, if the display unit 251 is folded or unfolded toward adirection rather than a preset direction or out of a preset range, thecontroller 180 can output an alarm by vibration or sound, by driving amotor disposed close to a folding event-occurred position. For instance,when a portion between the first inner display region 251 a and the sidedisplay region 251 d is folded in a direction rather than a presetdirection (e.g., folded in an upward or clockwise direction) as shown inFIG. 28(b), or when a portion between the first inner display region 251a and the second inner display region 251 b is folded in a directionrather than a preset direction (e.g., folded in a downward or clockwisedirection) as shown in FIG. 28(c), if the folded angle exceeds areference value (e.g., 180° or 210°), the controller 180 can output avibration and/or an alarm. If a user is not viewing the screen, thecontroller 180 can output a vibration and/or an alarm by moving toanother position where the vibration and/or the alarm is not output.

FIGS. 29(a) to 29(c) are conceptual views illustrating a method ofcontrolling an output when the amount of a battery is insufficient whenthe display unit has been completely unfolded. As aforementioned, whenthe display unit 251 operates in an ‘extended open state’ in an openstate of the mobile terminal, a consumption amount of a battery isincreased. Thus, if a battery level is equal to or less than apredetermined value (e.g., 10%) as a check result on the battery, thecontroller 180 can convert part of the display unit 251 into a‘black-and-white mode’ or may activate only a display being currentlyviewed by a user.

For instance, when an image 2902 indicating a current state of thebattery has been displayed on part of the display unit in an open state,if a battery level is equal to or less than a predetermined value, thecontroller 180 can convert one region of the display unit (e.g., asecond inner display region 251 b) into a ‘black-and-white mode’ asshown in FIG. 29(b). In this state, if the battery is more consumedwithout being charged, the controller 180 can convert display regions251 a and 251 b which are not currently viewed by a user, into adeactivated state. In this state, the controller 180 can firstly converta display region having a large size into a deactivated state. A screenwhich has been previously output may be displayed on display regions 251c and 251 d which are still in an activated state, in the form of aresized screen 2901″″.

FIGS. 30A(a) to 30D(c) are conceptual views illustrating variousembodiments to output a different screen by rotating, folding orunfolding the display unit 251 which is in a completely unfolded state.An open state of the mobile terminal indicates an exposed state of aninner surface of the mobile terminal, i.e., when a plurality of displayregions disposed on an inner surface of the mobile terminal are exposedto an upper side by being partially or wholly unfolded based on a hingeportion. For instance, as shown in FIG. 3(a), when the first innerdisplay region 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b areexposed to an upper side by being completely unfolded from each othermay be referred to as an ‘open state’. The open state may include an‘extended open state’ where the outer display region 251 c and the sidedisplay region 251 d as well as the first inner display region 251 a andthe second inner display region 25113 are completely unfolded to thus beexposed to an upper side.

Referring to FIGS. 30A(a) to 30A(d), if a user inclines the mobileterminal which is in an open state toward a vertical direction, a webpage screen 3001 is displayed on a first inner display region 251 a anda second inner display region 251 b in a vertical viewing mode. In thisstate, if other display regions 251 c and 251 d folded toward a rearsurface are unfolded, screen information differentiated from the firstand second inner display regions 251 a and 251 b (e.g., icons 3002 offrequently-executed applications) are displayed on the outer displayregion 251 c and the side display region 251 d, as shown in FIG. 30A(e).In this state, if a user performs a gesture to make his or her palm betoward a lower direction, the displayed icons 3002 disappear, and theweb page screen 3001 which has been output to the first and second innerdisplay regions 251 a and 251 b is changed into a screen 3001″ extendedup to the outer display region 251 c and the side display region 251 d.

As another example, referring to FIGS. 30B(a) to 20B(c), in an openstate, a web page screen 3003 may be output to the first inner displayregion 251 a and the second inner display region 251 b, and icons 3004of recently-used applications may be displayed on the outer displayregion 251 c and the side display region 251 d. When a user's touchinput applied to one of the icons 3002 has been maintained, if themobile terminal makes one revolution (rotation) or if the mobileterminal is backward inclined by more than a predetermined angle to thusbe forward rotated (refer to FIG. 30B(b)), a camera application selectedby the user's touch input is executed. And the web page screen which hasbeen output to the first inner display region 251 a and the second innerdisplay region 251 b is changed into a preview screen 3005 by driving ofa camera.

As another example, referring to FIGS. 30C(a) to 30C(c), in an openstate where an execution screen 3006 of an e-book application has beenoutput to the first inner display region 251 a and the second innerdisplay region 251 b, a touch input is applied to the outer displayregion 251 c. While the touch input is maintained, if a user folds andthen unfolds the second inner display region 251 b, or if a user folds alittle and then unfolds the outer display region 251 c toward the secondinner display region 251 b, a next page is displayed as shown in FIG.30C(c). When the touch input applied to the outer display region 251 cis maintained, if a user folds and then unfolds the first inner displayregion 251 a, a previous page is displayed. Under such a configuration,a user can enjoy an e-book like turning over pages of a real book.

In addition, the amount of pages to be turned over may be controlledaccording to a position on the outer display region 251 c where a touchinput has been applied. For instance, if a user folds and then unfoldsthe display region while touching a lower side of the Outer displayregion 251 c, a larger number of pages are turned over. Further, if auser folds and then unfolds the display region while touching an upperside of the outer display region 251 c, a smaller number of pages areturned over. As still another example, if a user folds and then unfoldsthe display region while touching a lower side of the outer displayregion 251 c, pages may be turned over in unit of a chapter, a middletitle or a small title.

If the first inner display region 251 a is folded to be unfolded, aprevious page of a currently-output page (or a first page of a previouschapter) is output. Further, if the second inner display region 251 b isfolded to be unfolded, a next page of a currently-output page (or afirst page of a next chapter) is output.

As still another example, referring to FIGS. 30D(a) to 30D(c), in anextended open state of the display unit 251, an execution screen 3008 ofa specific application may be output to the first inner display region251 a and the second inner display region 251 b, and icons 3009 relatedto recently-executed applications may be output to the outer displayregion 251 c and the side display region 251 d.

When a touch input applied to the outer display region 251 c ismaintained, if a user folds the second inner display region 251 b on thefirst inner display region 251 a, or if a user folds a little and thenunfolds the second inner display region 251 b, an icon of an applicationwhich has been output immediately before occurrence of a folding event(i.e., a message application) is added to the outer display region 251 cand the side display region 251 d (refer to 3009″). In this state, ifthe second inner display region 251 b is unfolded, the execution screen3008 which has been output to the first inner display region 251 a andthe second inner display region 251 b is changed into an executionscreen of a previous application, i.e., a web page screen 3010 as shownin FIG. 30D(c).

The mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present inventionprovides several advantages. First, even in a covered state of the firstand second inner display regions, an output from the first and secondinner display regions can be controlled by using the outer displayregion.

Secondly, guide information on an application or an operation executedon the first and second inner display regions can be provided by usingthe outer display region. Thirdly, while a user unfolds the mobileterminal so as to view the inner display regions, a locked state can bereleased or information on a recently-executed application can beprovided by using the outer side surface extended display. Fourth,different screens or different functions can be provided according tovarious operations to fold or unfold the first and second inner displayregions and the adjacent outer surface displays. This can enhance auser's convenience.

Various embodiments may be implemented using a machine-readable mediumhaving instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor toperform various methods presented herein. Examples of possiblemachine-readable mediums include HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid StateDisk), SDD (Silicon Disk Drive), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, afloppy disk, an optical data storage device, the other types of storagemediums presented herein, and combinations thereof. If desired, themachine-readable medium may be realized in the form of a carrier wave(for example, a transmission over the Internet). The processor mayinclude the controller 180 of the head mounted display.

As the present features may be embodied in several forms withoutdeparting from the characteristics thereof, it should also be understoodthat the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of thedetails of the foregoing, description, unless otherwise specified, butrather should be construed broadly within its scope as defined in theappended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fallwithin the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metesand bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile terminal, comprising: a terminal bodyhaving an inner surface, an outer surface and side surfaces, andconfigured to be opened into an open state where the inner surface isexposed to an upper side, and closed into a closed state where the outersurface and the side surface are exposed to an upper side while theinner surface is covered; a touch screen having a first region and asecond region disposed on the inner surface, a third region disposed onthe outer surface, and a fourth region disposed on the side surfacebetween the first region and the third region, in the closed state; anda controller configured to: display an execution screen of at least oneapplication to at least one of the first and second regions in the openstate, display information related to the execution screen on at leastone of the third and fourth regions, based on a closed type of theterminal body corresponding to an occurred folding event of foldingclosed the terminal body, and execute a function related to thedisplayed information based on a received touch input applied to thecorresponding first, second, third or fourth regions where theinformation is displayed.
 2. The mobile terminal of claim 1, furthercomprising: a sensing unit configured to sense the closed type of theterminal body by detecting a gradient change at the first and secondregions when the folding event occurs, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to activate one of the third and fourth regions based on thedetected closed type, such that the information related on the executionscreen is displayed on the activated display region.
 3. The mobileterminal of claim 2, wherein upon detection of a first closed type wherea gradient change is detected only from the first region, the controlleris further configured to display a first image indicating the executionscreen-related information on the third region, wherein upon detectionof a second closed type where a gradient change is detected from thefirst and second regions, the controller is further configured todisplay a second image indicating the execution screen-relatedinformation, on the fourth region, and wherein the first image isdifferent from the second image.
 4. The mobile terminal of claim 3,wherein upon detection of the first closed type, the controller isfurther configured to activate the fourth region, and wherein when adrag input toward the fourth region from the third region is applied tothe first image, the controller is further configured to change a sizeor a shape of the first image along a path of the drag input to thusextend up to the fourth region, and execute a function corresponding tothe first image.
 5. The mobile terminal of claim 3, wherein upondetection of the first closed type, the controller is further configuredto activate the fourth region, and wherein when a function correspondingto the first image is performed in the first closed type, the controlleris further configured to display, on the fourth region, a third imageassociated with the execution of the function corresponding to the firstimage.
 6. The mobile terminal of claim 1, further comprising: a wirelesscommunication unit configured to transmit and receive a message, whereinthe controller is further configured to display a message transceivedthrough the wireless communication unit on the first and second regionsin the open state, and wherein when a folding event occurs on the touchscreen when a written message has not been sent, the controller isfurther configured to display an icon for sending the written message onone of the third and fourth regions, based on a closed typecorresponding to the folding event.
 7. The mobile terminal of claim 1,wherein when the folding event occurs when at least one task is beingperformed on the execution screen, the controller is further configuredto display a first icon indicating that the task is being performed, onone of the third and fourth regions, and change the first icon into asecond icon when the task is completed.
 8. The mobile terminal of claim1, wherein the controller is further configured to block input of acontrol command applied to the third and fourth regions during thefolding event, and wherein when the open state is converted into theclosed state based on the folding event, the controller is furtherconfigured to activate one of the third and fourth regions and releasethe blocking, based on a closed type corresponding to the folding event.9. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the fourth region disposed onthe side surface extends from the third region and has a predeterminedcurvature, and wherein when a folding event occurs on the touch screen,the controller is further configured to display information on theexecution screen on the third region and part of the fourth region alongthe curvature, or only on the fourth region, based on a closed typecorresponding to the folding event.
 10. The mobile terminal of claim 1,wherein when an event occurs from at least one application in the openstate, the controller is further configured to output an alarm informingthe event, wherein when a drag input toward the fourth region from thefirst region is applied to one side of the first region in response tothe alarm, the controller is further configured to execute a firstfunction related to the event, and wherein when the drag input appliedto one side of the first region is ended within the first region, thecontroller is further configured to execute a second function related tothe event.
 11. The mobile terminal of claim 10, wherein when the openstate is converted into the closed state in response to the alarm, thecontroller is further configured to display an image object related toprocessing of the event, to one of the third and fourth regions, andwherein when a drag input applied to the image object is out of areference range, the controller is further configured to execute a thirdfunction related to the event.
 12. The mobile terminal of claim 1,wherein when a touch input is not applied to one of the third and fourthregions where information on the execution screen has been displayed,for a preset time in the closed state, the information disappears, andwherein when an opening event occurs in the closed state, the controlleris further configured to re-display the disappeared information ordisplay other information on one of the third and fourth regions. 13.The mobile terminal of claim 12, wherein when the opening event occursin a first closed state where the first region is folded to cover thesecond region, the controller is further configured to displayinformation on the execution screen or other information on theexecution screen on the third region, and wherein when the opening eventoccurs in a second closed state where the fourth region is exposed to anupper side and the first region faces the second region, the controlleris further configured to display information on the execution screen orother information on the execution screen on the fourth region.
 14. Themobile terminal of claim 13, wherein when a touch input is applied tothe fourth region in the second closed state, the controller is furtherconfigured to display icons of applications corresponding to theexecution screen based on a point where the touch input has beenapplied.
 15. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein when the open stateis converted into the closed state in response to the folding event, andwhen the closed state is re-converted into the open state when a touchinput applied to one of the third and fourth regions where theinformation has been displayed is maintained, the controller is furtherconfigured to re-display a previously-output execution screen on atleast one of the first and second regions, and control a screen changedue to execution of a function corresponding to the touch input, to bedisplayed on the execution screen.
 16. The mobile terminal of claim 1,wherein when the closed state corresponding to the folding event is asecond closed type where the fourth region is exposed to an upper sideand the first region faces the second region, the controller is furtherconfigured to sense a plurality of touch inputs applied to the fourthregion, and wherein when an opening event occurs in the second closedstate, the controller is further configured to convert a locked state ofthe mobile terminal into a released state, according to whether theplurality of sensed touch inputs match a preset pattern or not.
 17. Themobile terminal of claim 16, wherein the fourth region is divided into aplurality of virtual regions, wherein the plurality of virtual regionsare generated based on an initial touch input applied to the fourthregion, and wherein the plurality of touch inputs correspond to touchinputs sequentially applied to at least one region in a preset order,the at least one region corresponding to the preset pattern among thegenerated virtual regions.
 18. The mobile terminal of claim 16, whereinamong the plurality of touch inputs applied to the fourth region, thecontroller is further configured to ignore a touch input detected whenthe opening event occurs, or a touch input which has been detectedbefore occurrence of the opening event to thus be maintained during theopening event.
 19. The mobile terminal of claim 18, wherein when themobile terminal is converted into the released state, the controller isfurther configured to display icons of applications corresponding to thereleased state, on the fourth region, and wherein when the open statecorresponding to the opening event is a first open type where only thefirst region has been unfolded, the controller is further configured todisplay, on the first region, screen information indicating eventsgenerated from applications corresponding to the released state, whereinwhen the open state corresponding to the opening event is a second opentype where only the second region has been unfolded while the fourthregion is exposed to an upper side, the controller is further configuredto display, to the second region, an execution screen of one ofapplications corresponding to the released state, and wherein when theopen state corresponding to the opening event is a third open type whereboth the first region and the second region have been unfolded, thecontroller is further configured to display screen informationindicating the event, and an execution screen of one of applicationscorresponding to the released state.
 20. The mobile terminal of claim 1,wherein the fourth region includes a fingerprint recognition sensor, andwherein when an opening event occurs in the second closed state wherethe first region and the second region face each other and the fourthregion is exposed to an upper side, the controller is further configuredto perform a user authentication by activating the fingerprintrecognition sensor, and convert a locked state into a released statebased on a result on the user authentication.
 21. The mobile terminal ofclaim 20, wherein when an opening event occurs in the second closedstate where the first region and the second region face each other andthe fourth region is exposed to an upper side, the controller is furtherconfigured to display icons of executable applications on the fourthregion, and wherein when an angle between the first region and thesecond region is equal to or more than a reference value, when a touchinput applied to one of the icons has been maintained, the controller isfurther configured to display, on the fourth region, additionalinformation on an application corresponding to the selected icon. 22.The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the third region includes afingerprint recognition sensor, and wherein when a touch event isdetected from the third region in the first closed state where the firstregion is folded to cover the second region, the controller is furtherconfigured to perform a user authentication by activating thefingerprint recognition sensor, and convert a locked state into areleased state based on a result on the user authentication, and whereinwhen the first closed state is converted into the second closed statewhere the fourth region is exposed to an upper side and the first regionand the second region face each other, the controller is furtherconfigured to display information on the execution screen on the thirdregion, and wherein when the third region is unfolded by a predeterminedangle, the controller is further configured to display a scroll bar onthe fourth region, the scroll bar for scrolling information output tothe third region.
 23. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein when anevent occurs in the first closed state where the first region is foldedto cover the second region, the controller is further configured todisplay a notification icon indicating the event on the third region,and execute a different function according to a drag direction of atouch input applied to the notification icon.
 24. The mobile terminal ofclaim 1, further comprising: a camera disposed on the outer surface,wherein when the camera operates in the open state, the controller isfurther configured to display a first captured image corresponding to afirst capturing mode to at least one of the first and second regions,wherein when the closed state corresponding to the folding event is afirst closed state where the first region covers the second region, thecontroller is further configured to convert the first capturing modeinto a second capturing mode, and display a second captured imagecorresponding to the second capturing mode to the third region.
 25. Themobile terminal of claim 24, wherein in one of the first capturing modeand the second capturing mode, when the open state or the first closedstate is converted into the second closed state where the fourth regionis exposed to an upper side and the first region and the second regionface each other, the controller is further configured to display, on thefourth region, execution icons for sharing at least one of the firstcaptured image and the second captured image.
 26. The mobile terminal ofclaim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to display screeninformation corresponding to conversion of a locked state into areleased state to at least one of the first and second regions, andwherein when the open state is converted into the closed statecorresponding to the folding event and a preset time lapses, thecontroller is further configured to re-convert the released state intothe locked state, and wherein when a touch input corresponding to thefolding event is maintained even in the closed state, the controller isfurther configured to maintain the released state.
 27. The mobileterminal of claim 1, wherein when an event occurs from at least oneapplication in the open state, the controller is further configured tooutput guide information for inducing the closed state to the firstregion, and wherein when the event is ended in the closed state, thecontroller is further configured to output guide information forinducing the open state to at least one of the third and fourth regions.